A conversation that continues to come up is can a man and women be just friends? There are so many different opinions about this one that’s for sure! Rather than go into it as a “rule” I am going to address this from a married stand point. I guess for me the question is do I want my husband to have female friends that he turns to other than me? Geeeeee, let me think……………..Ummmm, NO!
Matthew 19:4-6 “And the two shall become one”. To put this into perspective, put glue on a piece of paper and place another paper on top. Once dry quickly rip the two apart. You will see that both papers are damaged. Becoming one with our spouse is very real and very powerful! When we leave our marriage, we are left broken, ripped, torn and damaged. This not only affects us and our spouse, but our kids, family and friends.
1 Corinthians 7 says: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
Satin is ALWAYS out to get us! ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS!!!! And the thing he hates the most is marriage. Look around! How many marriages are broken today? Blended families are everywhere! Affairs are taking place in the church, break rooms at work, gyms…. Everywhere! And how do they start? It’s not like you see this hot chick/dude and just jump on them! No, they always start with a little chit chat. Small compliments, a walk to the car, a helpful hand, and then complaining about your spouse to that person. Soon you will start looking forward to seeing that person each day. Comparison to the wife/husband starts to happen. “Oh, if only my wife was like this, then I would be happy”. “Oh, if my husband were more a leader like “Suzie’s” husband, then I would be happy”. God says we are not to covet our neighbor. (Exodus 20:17)
Boundaries must be set in place in every marriage to protect it from the evil one and his schemes. (1 Peter 5:8)
Here are just a few to consider:
1. No car rides with the opposite sex alone. Take a 3rd person.
2. No lunch/dinner meetings alone.
3. If you must get in touch with the opposite sex via phone, have your spouse do it on your behalf.
4. E-mails/Text – copy your spouse or theirs on all conversations that take place.
5. No Inbox chats on Facebook allowed.
Today, I encourage you to Guard Your Marriage!
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” ~Mark 10:9
2HIMIGO 