A: One reason I wanted to print your letter is because I hope it will be a warning to others tempted to go down the same road you have. Sin always has consequences, and those consequences are always bad — without exception. The Bible’s warning is true: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).
Tragically, however, it’s too late for you to heed this warning — and to be frank, no matter what you do, the path ahead is going to be hard. My prayer is that you will end this illicit relationship (which has no future), and that you will take the initiative to tell your wife about it and seek her forgiveness. To do otherwise is to keep living a lie — and the Bible warns that “The Lord detests lying lips” (Proverbs 12:22).
It won’t be easy, but if your wife finds about the affair on her own, it probably will be even more difficult. No wonder the Bible warns that an adulterer will end up saying, “I have come to the brink of utter ruin” (Proverbs 5:14).
Most of all, open your heart and life to Jesus Christ and seek God’s forgiveness for what you’ve done. Then ask Him to help you repair your marriage, and to rebuild your life on Christ and His will for your life. The Bible’s promise is for you: “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven” (Psalm 32:1).
Q: We’re worried about our daughter-in-law because she’s gotten very involved in a religious group that sounds like it might be a cult. Their leader insists on complete obedience, and says he alone knows the true path to God. Should we be concerned? — Mrs. S.B.
A: Yes, you should be concerned, because from what you say this group seems to have many of the characteristics of a cult. The Bible warns us against those who “lead my people astray with their reckless lies... I did not send them or appoint them” (Jeremiah 23:32).
Cults usually insist that they, and they alone, know the truth about God. They deny that God has already revealed everything we need to know about Him in His Word, the Bible. They also deny that Jesus is the Son of God, sent from heaven to pay the penalty for our sins. They deny, as well, that by putting our faith and trust in Him we can be forgiven of our sins and given the gift of eternal life.
Cults also often have a leader who demands full obedience, and threatens members with condemnation if they doubt his teachings. They also may try to cut them off from their families, or anyone else who might try to draw them away.
But only Christ is worthy of our obedience and worship, for He alone is our Savior. Only Jesus could rightfully say, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Pray for your daughter-in-law, and do what you can to express your concerns to her (and your son). She may not be willing to listen right now, but someday she may realize she’s on a dead-end road, and become open to Jesus.
Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit www.billygraham.org.
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