71 BE MORALLY ACCOUNTABLE TO ONE ANOTHER

“I noticed that you looked lustfully at other women when we were at the beach,” observed the wife.

“There’s no harm in looking,” replied the husband. A lengthy discussion followed that exchange and a new depth of accountability began to develop between the husband and wife.

We honor our spouses with our eyes as well as with our hearts and minds. Let your eyes look straight ahead, counsels Proverbs 4:25. In other words, don’t let your eyes lead you to look up evil. 1 John 2:16 reminds us, For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Be morally accountable to your spouse as well as to another Christian, such as a mentor, small group member or samegender friend who can speak truth into your life in love.

Have eyes only for your spouse when you go out in public: at the beach, on the computer, when you are reading, in the mall, at work, watching TV, movies and videos. Share openly and honestly with one another about your physical and sexual needs. Guard your eyes and heart so that you do not dwell on unclean thoughts. Try this: Make a checklist with your mate of those moral areas of your relationship where you will be accountable. Go over that list together weekly.

“You have heard that it was said,
‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you
that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Matt. 5:27–28 NIV