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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
"Slippin' Around"
It was a popular song about fifty years ago. The words went like this: ‘Seems we always have to slip around, to be together, dear. Slippin’ around; afraid we might be found. I’m all tied up with someone else, and you’re all tied up, too...”
Yes, people were ‘slippin around’ on their husbands and wives back then, and they are still doing it. The only thing that has changed is that the “fear” of being caught mentioned in that song seems less intimidating than it was in the 40’s and 50’s.
Movie stars did it then, and the entertainment industry still does it. The papers keep us up to date on all the “slippin’” that’s taking place, and now being faithful to one’s mate is bigger news than being unfaithful.
I know of few families that have not been touched by the scourge of adultery and divorce. Being a Christian doesn’t seem to be the deterrent it once was, and churches everywhere are scratching their collective heads, wondering “Why?”
Is this a lost cause? Can anything be done to prevent “slippin’ around”? We all realize that infidelity is a destructive element in a relationship, and we can do something about it. Let’s take a look.
What is the Bible For?
The world has tried everything else, from counseling to denial, but to no avail. Is it too simplistic to “just say no” to adultery? Well, that is just what the Biblical solution is. Moses wrote simply, “Thou shalt not..”, and Jesus echoed those words in Matthew 19 and Mark 10. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to condemn adultery in Romans 13 and Galatians 5. That’s the Bible!
Did I hear someone say, “That’s easier said than done”? Perhaps, but you weren’t asleep when you promised to “keep thyself to her, and to her alone” in those vows, were you? Yes, sin has appeal, Hebrews 11:25, but if we refuse to put ourselves in situations in which the temptation is most likely, we can deal with it. Now, this is a good time to see what James 1:14-15 says.
In John 8:11 Jesus told the woman to “sin no more.” If you think that’s too simplistic, take it up with Him.
What are Parents For?
Solomon said, “…a child left to himself brings his mother to shame,” Proverbs 29:15. Fathers are given the responsibility to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” Ephesians 6:4. Where are America’s fathers today? America’s mothers—aren’t they supposed to be teaching their daughters about virtue, modesty and purity? Is that too much to ask? I hear too many stories in the news about parents providing the “juice” and the “joint” for “parties” that end up in adultery.
Yes, I know that there are no guarantees connected with our teaching. Temptations are strong, especially in a culture full of sex. But parents still must love and teach their children that “slippin’ around” is wrong.
What are Preachers For?
Many are applauding the liberation of preachers from “hell-fire and damnation” sermons. Some churches boast that attendees will hear “no negative sermons.” Some preachers appear fearful of bringing down the wrath of the congregation by preaching “sin” sermons, allowing many to go their merry way, still unaware that “slippin’ around” is sin and sin has eternal consequences.
Jesus did not hesitate to “shell down the corn,” as some formerly called sermons on sin. Neither did Paul or Peter or Luke or John.
Titus was told to “put them in mind” to stay away from “various lusts and pleasures,” Titus 3:1-3. The same mandate applies today. Elders should insist that “all the counsel of God” be preached, Acts 20:20-27. Who knows, maybe the scriptures are the “power of God unto salvation,” Romans 1:16.
What are Voters For?
The blessing of living in a nation that allows the public to choose our own leaders is beyond our ability to imagine. National and local elections are approaching. Should we not be seeking out men and women who can and will lead in righteous ways? This very subject of adultery is in local and national headlines every day, whether in the guise of “gay” marriages, in divorce or public and private behavior.
I believe candidates are available who would lead America in righteous paths. That principle must take precedence over both politics and economics. If our pocketbooks and political views are more important than our children and the moral future of our nation, then “slippin’ around” is going to become the rule rather than the exception. We will become the animals from which some say we evolved.
The task is too urgent, however, for us to wait for an election to save us. We had better get busy teaching and living God’s truth. People of America—isn’t it time for us to stop “slippin’ around”?
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“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
“Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. When lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.”
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What is in My Heart?
A wise woman was traveling in the mountains and she found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.
The traveler left rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said. "I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. I would like for you to give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone."
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