Today's topic is a little more sensitive. Many people have experienced the devastating consequences of infidelity in marriage. It switch this in mind that I approach. This subject in a way to give ways we can actively work towards complete fidelity between husband and wife.
What is infidelity? If you are like me, you think only of physical infidelity, but there is more than one side to infidelity. To truly understand infidelity, I think we need to discuss what fidelity means.
Kevin Matheson wrote an article entitled, Fidelity in Marriage: It's More Than You Think. He said "Fidelity also means complete commitment, trust, and respect between husband and wife...Emotional infidelity, which occurs when emotions and thoughts are focused on someone other than a spouse, is an insidious threat that can weaken the trust between a couple and shatter peace of mind." In this same article Kevin Matheson went on to say that we should call it spiritual fidelity because it us see all forms of fidelity not just physical, but more importantly, it helps use keep eternal covenants in mind.
In his book, Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage, Dr. Goddard said, "Much like Jesus, Joseph "suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them" (D&C 20:22). In a time when lust is the backdrop to almost all relationships, Joseph stands as an example to us of a pure heart. Joseph honored his covenants above pleasure, lust, threats, prison, or convince. He gave no place for evil."
The job for all couples is to be like Joseph and run away. Give the temptation no heed. Do not allow yourself to think about another person in a lustful way. Satan is subtle. He sensationalized infidelity in popular movies and music. We are becoming desensitized to sexuality. We must ever be on our guard and guard our thoughts as well. Dr Goddard said, "Perhaps this is Satan's favorite ploy with those who desire goodness and are filled with compassion. The Book of Mormon describes his strategy: "and others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion...and thus the devil cheaters their souls and leaders them away carefully down to hell."
"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). Satan uses this tactic too. Small and simple things that accumulate over time that if we allow him to will "carefully lead us down to hell" (2 Nephi 28:21). The way to combat this is through "small and simple things." It is choosing to keep our thoughts clean. Choosing to turn the movie off, change the station, or look away from temptation. We must make a plan now so when we are tempted by inappropriate thoughts, then we already know how to respond. Sing a hymn, think about all the things you love about your spouse, say a prayer, or go for a walk. Make your plan now and every time you are faced with temptation stick to your plan. As we strive to do this, I know we too can be like Joseph and "give them no heed."
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