It’s easy to develop close friendships at work – after all – you are working next to someone for more than 40 hours every week.
But sadly, because proper boundaries are never set, many marital affairs begin in the workplace.
The good news is, if you haven’t already, you can implement some safeguards for your marriage when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex – here are a few ideas to get started.
Follow The Billy Graham Rule
Billy Graham sought to be above reproach – and didn’t want to give even the appearance of possible unfaithfulness in his marriage…
… so he instituted a rule.
He would not travel, meet, or eat alone with any woman – except his wife.
Some claim this rule is “unrealistic” or “old-fashioned” – but it is a beautiful way to safeguard your marriage and avoid temptation.
Many people have healthy relationships with their co-workers and choose to go out in groups – and not one-on-one with the opposite sex.
The goal to beating temptation is to FLEE and not give it a chance to develop.
If you are going out with a co-worker of the opposite sex or traveling together, it can be easy for romantic feelings to creep in.
But if you keep your mind and heart pure and adhere to this simple rule, it will truly save you potential heartache down the road and protect your reputation.
Do Not Have A “Work Spouse”
In today’s secular society, it’s common for people to refer to their close male or female friend at work as their “work spouse.”
There’s typically some flirtation involved, but both parties often brush it off, believing the “work spouse” label makes it acceptable.
But oh dear Christian, if you are married, you have one spouse – your husband or your wife! NOT your coworker!
Imagine how you would feel as a man if your wife was so close to a guy at work, she referred to him as her “work spouse.”
I bet it wouldn’t feel too good!
A “work spouse” may seem harmless in theory – but it isn’t.
Keep Personal Information… Personal
It can be tempting to talk about the rough morning you had with your spouse to all who will listen.
But not only does such gossip dishonor your spouse, it’s sinful.
Danger lurks around the corner for those who disclose their personal marital problems to others – ESPECIALLY members of the opposite sex.
Even if you are struggling in your marriage and your spouse isn’t giving you the love or intimacy that you need – DO NOT seek out someone of the opposite sex to fill those needs – RUN to God.
It’s debatable if men and women can be close friends without one person developing feelings for the other.
The intimate details of your life – including any marriage struggles – are between you and your spouse and any accountability partner, counselor, or pastor working with you.
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for all of those who are married, that you will remind them of the covenant they have made to each other and to You. Please keep their marriage strong with You at the center, and teach them to honor the beauty of their marriage vows. We pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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