Building a Hedge Around Marriages

Let’s all learn from Ravi…

Disappointed but not surprised. I suppose that’s the posture we all have as we hear the stories of men who have fallen into sexual sin or failed morally. It’s tough when he’s a member of our congregation or a close friend. But the news of Ravi Zacharias’ sexual misconduct shakes us at a new level.

There are many questions to ponder here and you’ve probably read articles and posts and listened to a few podcasts about the situation. At some point however, that simply becomes gawking.

The real question is, what are you doing or what will you do to protect yourself, your marriage, your ministry, your church.

If you have safeguards in place, it may be well to review them and discuss with your leadership team. I would even go so far as to codify them. Write down your plan, share it with others, invite accountability.

Above all….

Don’t think you’re so holy that Satan will not be able to take you down.

Take time to consider 1 Peter 5:8 personally…

(Your Name Here) be soberminded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour (Your Name Here). Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Let me also offer some practical help. My friend and brother in ministry at FamilyLife, Keith Tully, shared a document with me some time ago that I often pass on to pastors and leaders. Follow the link below to read a Marriage Protection Hedge Policy adapted from a local church. This church is serious about protecting their marriages, their integrity, and the ministry of the church. We’ve made some changes to make this more generic and shared an editable Word doc. Perhaps this could be a starting point for you and your elders/staff/team or even small group to write your own hedge policy.