Avoiding Trouble

Avoiding Trouble

If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

As another reminder to make good choices, Linda has the sad example of another friend, Meg. Meg had wanted to encourage a buyer who was having problems with his wife. But what started with kind words progressed to shared lunches and culminated in an ugly affair that cost her respect at work and her leadership of the singles’ group at her church. Further, she had lost respect for herself.

One evening over dinner, Linda gave a depressed Meg the embroidered wall hanging Meg had often admired. The delicately fashioned words read:

Lord, I have a problem; it’s me.

Child, I have an answer; it’s me.

Stunned by the lovely gift, Meg burst into tears. Linda handed over a tissue, then patiently waited as her friend dried her tears.

After yet another sniff, Meg asked, “So what now? I’m such a loser.”

Linda handed her another tissue. “This is where 1 John 1:9 comes in. It says, ‘If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.’ And it says all wickedness. Not some. All.”

Meg blew her nose again. “Yeah, but I’m damaged goods now.”

“You are not bound by past decisions. Starting today, you can make good choices and a commitment to get back to a virtuous lifestyle.”

For the next several minutes Linda talked quietly about redirecting sexual energy into work, sports, creative productivity, or other wholesome activities. Then, further stressing the possibility of living a fulfilled life without a present physical relationship, she offered Meg practical advice:

• Plan ahead to avoid inappropriate dating situations.
• Avoid movies that will stir up longings.
• Avoid reading sensuous books or magazines.
• Stay out of the “Adult” corner of the video store.
• Work hard and go to bed tired.

Linda motioned toward the wall hanging. “God is the answer to our biggest problem. This is a new beginning. Better days are ahead for you.”

Meg was beginning to believe it was true. —SANDRA

Lord, thank you for the reminder that while I am often my biggest problem, you are greater than anything I allow into my life. Help me to make decisions that will reap good results now and in the future.

There are no two ways around it: Women must have more dimension in their lives than “loooove!” —DR. LAURA SCHLESSINGER, SOCIAL AND CONSERVATIVE COMMENTATOR