Illicit Affair Is a Dead-End Road

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Q: My marriage hasn't been all that fulfilling, and now I've reconnected over the Internet with an old flame from high school who's in the same situation. I don't know where it'll go, but why would it be wrong for us to get together on the sly? I know several people who do this. -- Mrs. J.J.

A: I deeply hope you won't give in to this temptation but will cut off any relationship with this person at once. It may seem exciting and fulfilling at first -- but it's a dead-end road, and will only lead to heartache, guilt and sorrow.

Almost every day, in fact, I get at least one letter from someone who's allowed themselves to be trapped by this temptation -- only to discover that it failed to deliver the happiness they were seeking. Some even allowed a relationship like this to destroy their marriage -- only to be rejected by the person with whom they'd hoped to spend the rest of their life. The Bible warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man (or woman), but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 16:25).

Instead, I pray that you will recommit yourself to your marriage, and do everything you can to rebuild its foundations. Perhaps your husband has been a disappointment to you -- but have you allowed yourself to become a disappointment to him? Take the initiative, and little by little work to rebuild your relationship.

Most of all, make Christ the center of your marriage -- and your life. He can help you become the wife He wants you to be, and give you a new love for your husband. The Bible says that in marriage "God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them" (Mark 10:9, NCV).

Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.