24. I would create possible disillusionment in the hearts of young men preparing for ministry as they wonder about the credibility of my leadership and the viability of authentic pastoral ministry.
25. If this should become newsworthy on a statewide or national scale, I would exacerbate the growing climate of mistrust toward Christianity at an even broader level.
26. I would squander my witness to various unsaved friends, acquaintances and neighbors to whom I have witnessed over the years, perhaps driving them farther away from accepting Christ.
27. I would be thoughtlessly and carelessly throwing away the impact of the prayers of thousands of people who over the years have wholeheartedly supported me on their knees.
28. I would be heaping significant guilt and pain on the other woman, for the rest of her life.
29. I would potentially contribute to the dismantling of her marriage, family and
network of trusting friends.
30. I would run the risk of the complications of a pregnancy resulting from the extramarital sexual activity.
31. I would run the risk of physical consequences in the form of sexually transmitted diseases.
32. I would suffer the consequences of losing a job and creating serious practical strain on my family financially and socially.
33. I would experience the trauma of a career change, having violated the qualifications for pastoral office.
34. I would join the ranks of those whom I have previously despised and whose actions have deeply grieved me because of their violation of calling and trust through moral scandal.
35. I would live with personal life-long embarrassment and shame, as I would encounter regular reminders of my foolish and destructive choices.
36. I would be required to invest a significant amount of time and money in the process of recovery, as many hours of counseling and years of rebuilding would be required.
37. I would take myself out of the running for multiplied opportunities in the future that could have come my way, had I remained faithful by choosing not to commit adultery.
38. I would run the risk of being permanently “shelved” in my usefulness to God and His kingdom, knowing that the overwhelming shame and personal regret could cause me to completely give up my service for Christ.
39. I would cause a countless number of people to doubt the validity of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit and the power of Christ as they might ask, “If it didn’t work for him, can it really work for me?”
40. I would bring delight to Satan and his demons as these enemies of my soul and opponents of Christ would exult in their victory over one of God’s called servants.
(Some of these concepts were originally conceived by Randy Alcorn in Leadership Journal).
This article about why not to commit adultery originally appeared here.
