Delight

Cheating! It’s the theme of endless films and television programs, the “hook” that spices up romance novels. This theme suggests that true excitement only comes to those who yield to temptation and break the rules. It implies that a life committed to Biblical principles is boring.

But, in clear terms, the Bible tells us that real, lasting pleasure comes not from cheating, but from obeying God and keeping His Word. When addressing male-female relationships, for example, the Bible says to “let your fountain be blessed.” The Hebrew words here make it evident that God wants marriage relationships to be filled with joy.

In particular, men are instructed to “rejoice in the wife of your youth”—recognizing the benefits of a total commitment, which involves spirit, soul, and body. In fact, they are to be saturated by love for their wives, never to stop loving them, always to find satisfaction in them.

This is the kind of relationship every man desires. But, instead, many find themselves distracted and tempted. The Bible warns about the temptations provided by an adulteress. In fact, God desires that husbands be “transported by delight” (Amplified), but this only is possible through a proper relationship with their wives.

The truth is that God desires the best for everyone, men and women, old and young. The last thing Satan wants is for us to believe God or receive His blessings. In fact, he has been spreading deception about marriage (and everything else) since the Garden of Eden.

There in the Garden, he deceived Adam and Eve into believing him and disbelieving God. He continues to spread deception with ideas that sound attractive but lead us away from blessing. God reminds us that, as our Creator, His ways are best.

In your life, seek to live according to God’s principles. Don’t give in to deception, but dare to believe His promises.