Ashley Madison, et. al.

 Ephesians 5:1-7 NKJV
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Dear God,

I sat down for a quick look at the names on the list of Ashley Madison customers in my state--four thousand in all.  I am sad that so many married people are promoting themselves as looking to cheat on their spouse. Someone told me that the male customers outnumber the female 9 to 1. 

Lust and adultery come in all shapes and sizes.  Sin is packaged in every profession.  Prurient desire spans all classes and colors.  A friend studying the list with me noticed a number of ministers in our community. I grieve their failure.  

A counselor friend tells me, "If statistics are to be trusted, up to half of them are considering two things: An affair and leaving their ministry for someone other than their wives." He goes on to say that " Some of these men are caught in a damnable doctrine, and the end result is an acceptance of even this sin, though they know it is wrong. So, they just confess it every night and go about their lives as though nothing needs to change... It’s a diabolical doctrine, a rejection of the effectiveness of Christ’s cross and his blood, and a general damning of biblical redemption all balled into one package. And to think, they say they do this to bring glory to God? Seems preposterous to me. And, I think, to God as well."

Throughout the years, I have loved the fallen in the faith. I have tried to provide spiritual
care and protection, and guide them to repentance and wholeness.  Often, leaders who fall into lust and pornography can only truly repent if they initiate the repentance on their own.  Rarely have I witnessed true and thorough repentance from someone who was caught in their own sexual sin. 

I pray for the thousands of men who are now caught.  I pray for their true repentance.  I pray for the ministers and spiritual leaders caught up in a sinful trap of their own setting.  I pray that Your conviction will bring them to a repentance that transcends parsing and excusing what they did or thought about doing.  Lead them to complete repentance, faith, and restoration. 

I pray for their wives who are suffering at this moment.  Some of these women are simply crushed and broken.  Others are raging.  Keep their hearts clean.  Keep their minds on You.  Protect them from themselves and the harmful effects of the very legitimate emotions they feel right now. 

I pray for their children.  Some of the kids are internet savvy enough to see what their fathers, and perhaps even their mothers, have done.  You alone know what these children and teens are facing and feeling.  Be their security when parents and family fail to provide them with the security and protection so essential to their well-being.

In the midst of brokenness, You are the "Repairer of the breach" (Isaiah 58:12).

In the Name of our only Restorer and Redeemer,
Amen.