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I am wondering what you would consider "emotional adultery"? I tried to describe this to a gentleman in leadership and he said that there was no such thing. Maybe you could help me by giving me a definition of this kind of adultery, and what the ramifications of this type of betrayal would be? I would like to understand what the appropriate behavior of a Christian man in leadership would be, concerning young ladies in the Church under his authority.
In the first place, adultery concerns a physical sexual act between a married person and another person who is either married or single. Jesus said, "Do not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28). As far as I know, and as far as the Bible is concerned, there is no such thing as "emotional adultery."
The relationship between a Christian man in leadership and young ladies under his authority should certainly be circumspect and not questionable in any way. He should keep his hands to himself. He can talk, laugh and joke with groups; but flirting would be out of order. No man in authority should use that authority to impose upon a young woman in any way. Young women, and even older women, may feel flattered if a minister or other church leader comes on to them - and thus fall into sin. The Bible says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil," and "Keep yourself pure."
Hope this answers your question! Joy in the Lord! Dr. Muriel
Dr. Muriel Larson, author of many books and thousands of published writings and songs, is a professional Christian writer, counselor and speaker, and has taught at writers' conferences across the United States. She serves as an E-Mail counselor with Truthmedia. Her web site, "Advice From God's Word," lists many helpful articles alphabetically by their descriptive titles: http://advicedrmuriel.blogspot.com
