Adultery has always occurred. In some cultures in history, it has become so common that it is not even considered worthy of special consideration. However, in our country in recent history, two major events, neither intrinsically evil, have increased the temptation to adultery greatly.  And with increased temptation comes increased sin. And in this case, with increased sin comes increased divorce.  And divorce sucks.

The two events:

• The increase in the numbers of women in the workplace.
• The rise of social networking sites like Facebook

This post will reflect mostly on the latter since it was occasioned by the article “clipped” below.  I know there is a bit of irony in using Facebook to advertise a blog post which suggests that Facebook is the root of at least one kind of evil.  But as I mentioned, Facebook itself is not evil by its nature, but is has opened up all matter of temptation.  Much like the internet has made pornography as accesible as water from the faucet, Facebook has made  contacts with members of the opposite sex (some with whom intimate contact has been had in the past) as regular as going to the bathroom.  Curiosity has given up it deadly assault on cats in and has turned its attention on unassuming marriages.   How many people have “friended” someone out of innocent curiosity as to what an old friend or flame was up to only to find themselves later exchanging flirty and maybe later filthy messages when their spouses were not looking?  After all, how easy is to be attractive when your persona is crafted from snapshots and one liners?

This is not a call to boycott Facebook.  But it is call to all (and to myself)  to truly be careful with your interactions on social networking sites.  If you have any feelings left for someone, leave the friend request dormant.  Even if you do not, if you find yourself interacting virtually with someone more often that you interact in reality with your spouse, cease and desist.  Need I quote the Fife? ( Huh?)  Those interactions will never be worth what you might lose and the pain you will endure.

I know. I know.  You would never.

1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

And if you have already fallen, return to the Lord and to your spouse.  For with Him, and with your Christian spouse, there is forgiveness to be had.

clipped from www.telegraph.co.uk

Facebook fuelling divorce, research claims

The social networking site, which connects old friends and allows users to make new ones online, is being blamed for an increasing number of marital breakdowns.

Divorce lawyers claim the explosion in the popularity of websites such as Facebook and Bebo is tempting to people to cheat on their partners.

One law firm, which specialises in divorce, claimed almost one in five petitions they processed cited Facebook.

“The most common reason seemed to be people having inappropriate sexual chats with people they were not supposed to.”

Flirty emails and messages found on Facebook pages are increasingly being cited as evidence of unreasonable behaviour.