Welcome to the May edition of The Singles’ World in 2026. In the last edition, I discussed opportunity and weak boundaries as another cause of infidelity in Christian homes. When relationships, especially between members of the opposite sex, are not clearly defined and boundaries are weak, the devil can use such opportunities to lure people into sexual immorality. While it is impossible to legislate against contact between the opposite sex, particularly among married people, it is imperative that married individuals establish proper boundaries in their relationships with persons other than their spouses. Such boundaries must be carefully guarded and monitored both physically and spiritually. Whenever those boundaries begin to weaken, deliberate efforts must be made to retreat. Sexual instincts are not to be toyed with without grave repercussions. When Christian homes are plagued by adultery, what should we expect from the marriages of unbelievers? Christian homes are prime targets of Satan, and we must be careful not to give the devil an opportunity to cause unbelievers to blaspheme the name of the Lord. In this edition, I shall discuss another major cause of infidelity in Christian homes.
Peer Influence and Modern Culture
The friends we keep and the company we associate with greatly influence our lifestyles. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron…” When we keep the right company, our lives improve; when we keep the wrong company, we inevitably suffer the consequences. This is why the Scripture warns that evil communication corrupts good manners. As a Christian, if you constantly associate with divorcees, adulterers, adulteresses, polygamists, harlots, and others who rebel against God’s standard, you may gradually begin to learn their ways. Ironically, it is often easier for evil to corrupt good than for good to influence evil. That is why the Scripture warns us not to make friendship with an angry person lest we learn his ways. We live in a world where peer influence is overwhelming. For example, Amnon, the son of David, kept the wrong company in Jonadab, whose ungodly counsel eventually contributed to Amnon’s destruction.
Close relationships with unbelievers, immoral individuals, and backsliders can be dangerous for married Christians. When such people become your counsellors, guides, teachers, or financial supporters, you may begin to absorb their ungodly lifestyles. People cannot give what they do not possess. Many Christian homes have been destroyed because couples failed to exercise discernment in their associations with those who oppose the Word of God. Do not allow the devil to deceive you into thinking that showing love necessarily means maintaining close companionship with ungodly people. You can show love without forming intimate associations with them. You cannot be wiser than God.
The glorification of the “side-chick” culture is one of the disturbing trends in modern society. Both married men and women participate in this culture. Sadly, some Christians have become entangled in it, as marital fidelity is now viewed by many as old-fashioned, while the side-chick culture is celebrated as a modern lifestyle that promotes sexual freedom. Many people argue that life must be enjoyed to the fullest and, since there is mutual consent between the parties involved, such relationships are no longer regarded as sinful or as violations of God’s Word. Eventually, these so-called side-chicks often replace the lawful wives at home, while women involved in such immoral relationships sometimes bring illegitimate children into their marriages. Countless homes have collapsed because of this spirit of sexual permissiveness. The Word of God remains clear: “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Though the world may glorify sexual sin through the promotion of side-chick culture, Christians must not conform to such practices. Friendship with people who indulge in these lifestyles can negatively influence you. This is why you must avoid close companionship with those who practise such things, lest you follow their evil ways.
Conclusion
Your marriage bed must remain undefiled. Honour your marriage and remain faithful to your spouse, for the wrath of God will come upon adulterers and adulteresses. Stay away from friends who can easily influence you negatively. You may be ridiculed, called names, or labelled old-fashioned, but do not be moved. Devote yourself to the Word of God and to prayer. Be sober and vigilant. The Lord will preserve your home. If you are single, the Lord will help you to remain faithful to your future spouse to the very end, in the name of Jesus Christ. Let your marriage glorify God. By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.
