3. When talking to couples, I focus my visual connection mostly on the man and not his wife.
It’s not that I don’t talk to the wife, but I try to place my eyes more in the direction of the man. This is a discipline I have had to practice. Sometimes I see couples from our church in the community, and I often don’t recognize the woman when she is not with her husband. This is not that I don’t care about the woman (or that I’d rather look at a man!), but this is necessary in order to protect my heart and mind from wandering. (Did you ever read 2 Samuel 11?)
4. I try not to stare at women.
When an attractive woman catches my eye, I try to quickly bounce my attention elsewhere. Yes, I notice a pretty woman in the room … often. God made some beautiful women. I just know my heart and mind too well to allow myself to stare. Trust me, I can’t.
5. I spend lots of time with my wife.
The best defense is a good offense. The most certain way to protect my heart is to strengthen my marriage. Cheryl and I spend most of our leisure time together.
6. I try to always remember my boys.
My boys are two of my very best friends, and thankfully, as of right now, they still have tremendous respect for me as a dad and man. I would never want to disappoint them by being unfaithful to my wife.
7. I love my church.
I would never want to injure the work God is doing at Grace Community Church. If I were ever tempted to sin against God in this way, I would hope my love for the church would draw me back.
Do my rules offend you? What are you doing to protect your heart?
