When I first started reading the Bible I was surprised to read the scriptures on adultery and how Jesus viewed it. By His standards, probably, majority of us have already committed adultery without the actual physical act. Let’s look at Jesus teaching to understand;

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.

Matthew 5:27,28

The act of adultery tears at the very fabric of families, but, to look at someone in a lustful manner, isn’t what the average person views as adultery. Yet, this is the very issue which Jesus is speaking of. Why? Maybe because lust comes from what our eyes see which can lead to shameful thoughts, shameful desires, shameful deeds and a loss of control over the body, heart and mind. When this happens we’re no longer walking in the Spirit, instead, we’re walking in the flesh. But look what else is said;

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statments. These are the things that defile the person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the person.

Matthew 15:19,20

For those who claim to be Christians, but tend to live in the flesh, their hearts will reflect issues such as adultery, sexual immorality along with a host of other sins. Adultery destroys the character of a person and I believe this is one of the reasons the Bible teaches we are to guard ourselves, our eyes, our thoughts, our speech and our hearts.

If we don’t our relationship with God is at risk, and, before you know it our hearts become rebellious, hardened, unrepentative and we find ourselves living a life far from God.