December 10: THE SEVENTH OF TEN

As we come to the 7th commandment, we also come to a commandment that is forbidden in several states and counties. Not only that, ten years ago there was a Military Court that debated if adultery was a crime. Some military personnel were discharged after being found guilty of adultery; the reasoning being, if a man would not be true to his wife, he would not be true to his troops. Exodus 20:14 says, “You shall not commit adultery”. This is a practical command that tells us to say “no” to our urges. This is a premeditated sin, it takes thought and concentration to disobey this law.
The sanctity of the family unit cannot be underestimated. The Church and the home together form the last barrier against forces that would destroy humanity. We are expected to have a certain reverence for the marriage relationship.
Jesus spoke specifically to the temptation to adultery in Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”. Jesus helps us with the problem by making it clear that the physical act is the ultimate expression of a rebellion in the heart. Any kind of experience of a specific sexual nature outside the marriage covenant is adultery.
Do not confuse this with fornication. Fornication is pre-marital sex, having a sexual relation with someone while you are still single. You can find several references to fornication in your Bible.
Adultery is a sin running wild in this generation. Late night TV shows mock it, Prime time situation comedies belittle it, even cartoon characters get in on the fun. It is small wonder that youth have little respect for the Marriage Covenant since they have been brainwashed against marriage faithfulness as they grew up being baby-sat by the TV. Parents bear a heavy responsibility to teach their children by example and word the high value of marriage faithfulness.
Marriage was and is God’s idea. He planned it. The Bible presents marriage as a triangle; God, the man, and the woman. God makes a covenant with both in marriage. When the covenant is broken, it is not only a sin but the fruit of it is harvested for years.

“God help us to honor our marriage commitments. Give us the concentration
to focus on your command daily and rise above this temptation.”