2 Samuel 11:4-5 (KJV)
And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.
The story of David and Bathsheba powerfully illustrates the devastating consequences of adultery. As king, David had a duty to lead his mighty men into battle, yet he chose to remain behind, placing himself in a position ripe for temptation. While walking on the roof of his palace, he spotted the beautiful Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, bathing. Captivated by her beauty, he sent messengers to inquire about her. They confirmed her identity as the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah. Ignoring the fact that she was married, David summoned her and engaged in an affair with her. Amid this egregious sin, she became pregnant. By committing adultery with Bathsheba, David not only violated her but also betrayed her family, who had served him loyally. In an attempt to conceal his actions and divert suspicion from Bathsheba, he summoned her husband, Uriah, from the battlefield to sleep with her. However, Uriah steadfastly refused, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to his fellow soldiers. After exhausting every effort to persuade him, David resorted to a sinister plan: he sent a letter to Joab, instructing him to place Uriah at the front lines, where the fighting was most intense, and then withdraw support, ensuring Uriah would be struck down and killed. This treachery led to Uriah’s death, and David took Bathsheba as his wife, claiming her child as his own. David’s lust for Bathsheba marked the beginning of his downfall. God held David accountable, and the first consequence was the death of the infant conceived in that union. Although God forgave David, he still faced the lasting repercussions of his actions.
Adultery is unequivocally defined as any illicit sexual relationship between a married individual and someone other than their spouse that goes against the commandments given to the Israelites (Exodus 20:14) and contradicts God’s established principles and intentions for sexual behavior. The consequences of adultery extend beyond personal relationships; it profoundly affects the bond between the adulterer and God Himself. Engaging in adultery is not only a sin against God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) but also strikes against our soul (1 Peter 2:11) and body (1 Corinthians 6:18). Proverbs 9:17 says, “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” Adultery may seem enticing, but it is undeniably a path to disaster. The appealing fruit may appear ripe, yet it can hide a core of rot. The reality is that while the experience may deliver temporal satisfaction, it ultimately leads to an enormous and irreversible loss. Much like a fire, it becomes destructive when left unchecked. Adultery exposes us to various dangers, including health issues, spiritual attacks, and detrimental consequences. Many are entangled by lustful thoughts, which can drag them deeper into sin and ultimately, demise. Others find themselves stagnant in life due to this perilous choice. In our quest for intimacy, we must not compromise for fleeting pleasures. True love honors the sanctity of marriage and aligns with God’s design for relationships. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says, “God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.”
Beloved, indulging in adultery is always a losing proposition. Adultery strips the glory of God away from you and clothes you in rags and shame. It never adds anything to you but always takes away your prized possessions. Your life as a Christian is a living witness to others, and you cannot break the laws of God without hindering others from coming to Christ. You must live in holiness before this sinful and wicked world, not according to their standards but to God’s standard in the Bible. Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it has sinned. So, knowing not to commit adultery and doing it is a sin before God. Today, cut down every tree of adulterous lust in your heart before it cuts off your destiny. Whatever separates God from you is something to resist by all means! God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Ask God to forgive and help you if you are struggling with a lifestyle of immorality. Avoid any act or association that could lead to adultery. Remember, flee adultery to escape destruction.
O Lord, give me the grace not to fall into any trap of adultery. Help me not to become a victim of immorality in Jesus’ Name.