I recently read a letter from a women name Michelle, as related by authors Gary and Barbara Roseberg. It was such a clear reminder of how vulnerable we are. When that is combined with carelessness, the results can be devastating. I want to share that letter here today.
“I helped lead a Bible study for women facing marital struggles. I saw these women through pain in their marriages and even separations. But I was different. I was faithful and true.
When we finally purchased a computer, I found that the Internet contained so many interesting places. I could look up vacation spots, read newspapers. These were all good things, nothing evil. I never realized that I was only a click away from destruction.
One day I signed up for a chat room. I chose a clean one, not a porn room. I wanted to just go in and see what was going on. Almost immediately a man began talking to me. He paid attention to me and had and insightful responses to every word I wrote.
I continued to meet this man in the chat room, even though I knew it was wrong. The relationship seemed innocent. We just talked about family and life. Soon we progressed to phone calls. I loved communicating with him. He cared so much.
After some time, we decided to meet. We were in love, or so we thought. After telling my husband I was meeting some girlfriends, I took off and hooked up with this man for what I thought would be a romantic weekend getaway. It wasn’t at all what I expected, and suddenly everything came crashing down. I had betrayed my husband and my family.
My careless involvement with the Internet nearly destroyed my marriage. I became addicted, and it eventually led to an affair. I have regretted the day when, with one click on the mouse, I entered a downward spiral of sin and deception. I failed to build a fence of protection around my marriage. I didn’t guard my heart.”
There is not much I need to say as the powerful story stands on its own. My tip today is simple – I encourage you to ponder this question – How do you need to guard your heart to best protect your marriage?