A message taught by a Pastor I trust. It's a good message. For all of us who are married, it's a relevant teaching. The Pastor that taught this says most if not all of us have made it down the first 3 steps.
1. Something causes you to lean away from your marriage. It can be an argument or disagreement.
2. Awareness of another person.
3. An unplanned and innocent meeting opens a door to a connection. I agree with the Pastor. These first three steps are innocent and unplanned. At this point, you haven't necessarily done anything wrong. Wisdom after the third step would slam that door shut on the connection. Communication with your spouse can close unhealthy doors and open doors that will strengthen your marriage.
4. The meetings become intentionally planned at least by one of you. You may never know they are intentionally crossing your path.
5. You linger in conversation.
6. Personal conversations about your feelings. DANGER DANGER DANGER. This sparks an emotional bond. This is the start of the inappropriate relationship.
7. Isolated meetings under the guise of something important or legitament.
8. Isolated meeting to talk about each other.
9. Embrace or playful touching.
10. Embrace becomes passionate
11. Adultery happens.
12. The bomb on your life is dropped.
Steps 1-6 can take 3 years.
Steps 7-12 can take 1 hour.
Guard your marriage. Love your spouse!
