Dealing with my married pastor

[Nicole1993]

Nicole, you are kidding yourself.



You have already crossed this line. And so has he.

Also, We have definitely crossed lines with our words but I don’t think I’d ever have it in me to cross a line physically. And just from the guilt the pastor seems to show, I don’t think he does either. But I also know not to trust my deceiving heart, which is why I won’t be alone with him ever.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

Best to flee.
Keep a safe distance.

We know what's right but,
it's up to us to do right.

I have learned that if I keep playing with fire
I will get burned.

M

 

[Endeavourer]

Yes, everything I’ve mentioned on here I’ve also told my husband.

I"m so glad to hear this, sister.

He is never concerned with anything because I have always had such a guilty conscious I end up telling him everything. I think that’s why he trusts me so much.

This is alarming. Did you know the vast majority of affairs happen between two people who never intended to have affairs? Affairs happen because first one step happens and then another and then the next is so tantalizing and compelling. At some point your thinking becomes foggy because your pleasure sensors are focusing on the next "hit" instead of realizing what you are doing. And, before you know it, you're in an affair. An affair can happen to **anyone**, certainly including me and obviously, including you as well. It doesn't matter how much you intend to not have an affair, you are several steps into this one. Your thinking is already clouded.

But I told him, I’m putting a stop to this situation.

But dear sister, that's why you're here, isn't it? You've already resolved to do this before and it didn't work because you keep placing yourself in his presence. You are already several steps into this and you are not thinking straight.

Besides inappropriate comments in person/winks/eye contact, the pastor and I have never touched each other or messaged through texts or social media in any inappropriate way.

What is the difference if you are flirting verbally or via text? Why is this distinction important to you?

I just don’t think going to a different church is what I need to do.

Nicole, put yourself, in your imagination, a year down the road. The past is the prologue to the present. You had returned to flirting and resolved to stop at least several times. As in the past, each time you were drawn just a little bit more to him. You looked forward to going to church on Sundays so you can see him. You were eager for that glimpse on the side. Your fascination had continued to grow. Soon your pastor had taken up more and more of your thoughts and even some dreams. Before you realized it would happen, you are in each other's arms and into an affair. Your husband has just found out. Your families are shattered. Your affair with the pastor is exposed to the church. Your husband is shattered and your marriage is over. At that time you'd wish with all your might you could have told your July 19, 2020 self to get the heck out of there and never look back.

We are telling you this, but your thinking is clouded already. You are several steps into this. You came on this board, convicted that you need to change but you are arguing with those of us who are agreeing with you. Instead you are insisting you can just go back to what you've always been doing. Getting over that line and retreating. Getting back over that line and retreating. It's Satan's game of tugofwar with you. Each time you are drawing a bit closer to the abyss in the middle of the field.

Nicole, flee the field. Get a different church. Never have contact with this man again and don't look back.

I can control myself. The fruit of the spirit is self control. But I also understand not to put myself in tempting situations, which is why I intend to only greet him if there’s no way I can avoid that.

You've been there, done that. Dear sister, you're here because you can't.

And I can tell by the pastors behavior the past couple Sundays, I believe he’s thinking the same.

No, he's not. Based on his behavior with you, I wouldn't be surprised to find he has had affairs before and its possible that he is very sensitive to your reactions and just working patiently to rope you in. Ask any guy here about the character of a man who flirts with married women. He is not the prize you are imagining him to be. You are a prize, to your husband. At this moment you can make the choice to keep it that way and change churches, never to see this pastor again.

If we were to ever flirt in any way again, I’ll ask my husband to find a different church.

But, dear sister, you're here because all of your "next time's" of the past haven't worked. This is well plowed soil. Be careful because seedlings have already started growing in it.

I just think I could go to any other church and find the same situation. It’s a heart/sin issue, not a people issue. And I really am working and praying on that.

This is key, and a wise realization. Yes, it's true. You need to have better boundaries with other men or you will keep running into this situation. You already have a situation here. There's no going back on that. You need to leave and not look back, and protect your marriage with strong boundaries in the future.

Doing the right thing is sometimes hard. I've seen too many instances where well intentioned women (and men) just can't compel themselves to step away from this precipice and they fall in. You are not better or stronger than any of them. Now is the day to cast your eyes upon the Lord, and use the means he gave you to flee from the beguiling danger that is beckoning you. You can do it. Do it today.

Edited to add: Nicole, would you consider showing this thread to your husband and discussing it with him?

 

[Endeavourer]

Nicole, did you know that nearly all affairages fail? For some reason that is the kind of marriage that simply can't be saved no matter how much marriage counseling the couple invests in.

The grass is plastic and unpalatable on the other side of the fence, and it is borne out of rotten roots. When you get there you will be tremendously disappointed. It's luscious green hue is all a mirage. Move away from the fence and stay on the other side of the field. With your husband, in another church.

 

[JohnDB]

I tend to think that she will be just fine.

There's an empowerment from a "no" that way too many people just have not enjoyed.
She is enjoying the "no" with broad, strong shoulders.
She cut the legs out from under the temptation by explaining it in detail to her husband. It holds no power anymore.

The pastor is a different story.

 

[ripple the car]

You’ve gotten some really good advice here. Danger can be here already before we realize it’s here. I would stop hanging out with the pastor socially. Distance yourself.

Spend more time with your husband. Hang out, go on date nights, pray together, strengthen the friendship and the romantic bond you guys already have. You had mentioned medication being an issue with him; maybe get that checked out, and see if he can switch to something that doesn’t effect his love life with you.

Hanging out with people a lot can lead to romance. Before anyone realizes it. Keep a distance. Hi and bye. If this isn’t feasible or working, find another church.

 

[NerdGirl]

I can’t run from all men and for the most part I trust myself.
The comment about being alone with him is more so if he crossed a line.
I can’t say what I would do in that situation, which is why I will do whatever I can to never be in that situation.
I have never cheated on my husband even when I was lost, and don’t think I would ever have it in me to do so now as a Christian.

"For the most part". "IF he crossed a line." "I can't say what I would do in that situation." "I don't think I would ever have it in me."

Wayyyy too many blurry lines in everything you're saying. I'm not hearing "I would NEVER do anything with my pastor OR allow him to do anything with me." The fact that you're being so wishy washy about it, and seem more concerned with staying close to this pastor because it's comfortable and familiar (and I have no doubt you relish his attention and the excitement it brings) is alarming. I understand that things are lacking in your marriage, but if you want it to survive, you've got to get away from this pastor and into counseling with your husband.

 

[Nicole1993]

This is alarming. Did you know the vast majority of affairs happen between two people who never intended to have affairs? Affairs happen because first one step happens and then another and then the next is so tantalizing and compelling. At some point your thinking becomes foggy because your pleasure sensors are focusing on the next "hit" instead of realizing what you are doing. And, before you know it, you're in an affair. An affair can happen to **anyone**, certainly including me and obviously, including you as well. It doesn't matter how much you intend to not have an affair, you are several steps into this one. Your thinking is already clouded.

But dear sister, that's why you're here, isn't it? You've already resolved to do this before and it didn't work because you keep placing yourself in his presence. You are already several steps into this and you are not thinking straight.

What is the difference if you are flirting verbally or via text? Why is this distinction important to you?

Nicole, put yourself, in your imagination, a year down the road. The past is the prologue to the present. You had returned to flirting and resolved to stop at least several times. As in the past, each time you were drawn just a little bit more to him. You looked forward to going to church on Sundays so you can see him. You were eager for that glimpse on the side. Your fascination had continued to grow. Soon your pastor had taken up more and more of your thoughts and even some dreams. Before you realized it would happen, you are in each other's arms and into an affair. Your husband has just found out. Your families are shattered. Your affair with the pastor is exposed to the church. Your husband is shattered and your marriage is over. At that time you'd wish with all your might you could have told your July 19, 2020 self to get the heck out of there and never look back.

We are telling you this, but your thinking is clouded already. You are several steps into this. You came on this board, convicted that you need to change but you are arguing with those of us who are agreeing with you. Instead you are insisting you can just go back to what you've always been doing. Getting over that line and retreating. Getting back over that line and retreating. It's Satan's game of tugofwar with you. Each time you are drawing a bit closer to the abyss in the middle of the field.

Nicole, flee the field. Get a different church. Never have contact with this man again and don't look back.

You've been there, done that. Dear sister, you're here because you can't.

No, he's not. Based on his behavior with you, I wouldn't be surprised to find he has had affairs before and its possible that he is very sensitive to your reactions and just working patiently to rope you in. Ask any guy here about the character of a man who flirts with married women. He is not the prize you are imagining him to be. You are a prize, to your husband. At this moment you can make the choice to keep it that way and change churches, never to see this pastor again.


But, dear sister, you're here because all of your "next time's" of the past haven't worked. This is well plowed soil. Be careful because seedlings have already started growing in it.


This is key, and a wise realization. Yes, it's true. You need to have better boundaries with other men or you will keep running into this situation. You already have a situation here. There's no going back on that. You need to leave and not look back, and protect your marriage with strong boundaries in the future.

Doing the right thing is sometimes hard. I've seen too many instances where well intentioned women (and men) just can't compel themselves to step away from this precipice and they fall in. You are not better or stronger than any of them. Now is the day to cast your eyes upon the Lord, and use the means he gave you to flee from the beguiling danger that is beckoning you. You can do it. Do it today.

A lot of wisdom in what you’re saying, no doubt! You all have given me A LOT to think about. Yesterday, I didn’t speak to the pastor other than a greeting after he greeted me. He later texted when I was at home and asked you ok? He seems legitimately concerned, I guess because I was being so quiet which is unlike me. I said yes I’m fine, the Lord has shown me many things I don’t like about myself and he replied he’s been there many times. That was it and I do believe he will take the hint. He’s not a pushy person and tends to give me space when I ignore him. I really believe as long as I keep distancing myself, I’ll be fine. Like another user mentioned, by actually coming out and telling my husband everything (my husband has always joked that the pastor likes me and I’ve played it off as nothing serious) it’s like the power is gone bc there’s nothing to hide now if that makes sense. I think there was just pleasure in this “hidden” connection the pastor and I seemed to have. And it’s not hidden anymore. I truly don’t believe the pastor has done this before. I don’t notice him being flirty with anyone else, which obviously makes me a realize it’s more a me thing bc I usually flirt back or sometimes initiate.

Yes, I would consider showing this thread to my husband and may when he gets home later this evening. He would definitely be annoyed that I’ve shared this online but it’s not like Our church family are reading it. I came here to get advice from Christians other than the ones I go to church with. We live in a small town. There’s probably lucky to be 75-100 people in our church on a busy Sunday. If we left the church, it’s gonna be a major gossip fest. I know that shouldn’t matter, but everyone will immediately assume something has went on.

The difference in the flirting verbally and flirting via text in my opinion just means you’re even deeper into something than you should be, not that we haven’t already crossed lines but it doesn’t feel that deep if that’s makes sense. We haven’t developed some secret conversation behind closed doors. Every time we have flirted there have been people within earshot. The pastor and I never have any opportunity to be alone together. I mentioned to my husband the other day that I had read on several message boards if you develop a flirting relationship with a pastor to leave the church, and my husband seemed shocked and said “that’s too much.” He didn’t seem interested in leaving but I would like to give him your all’s perspective on it and see what he says. I promise I’m not arguing with any of you. Everything you’ve said makes sense. I’m praying hard on it all. It’s just not a simple leave for us. In small towns everyone wants to know why?

 

[JohnDB]

A lot of wisdom in what you’re saying, no doubt! You all have given me A LOT to think about. Yesterday, I didn’t speak to the pastor other than a greeting after he greeted me. He later texted when I was at home and asked you ok? He seems legitimately concerned, I guess because I was being so quiet which is unlike me. I said yes I’m fine, the Lord has shown me many things I don’t like about myself and he replied he’s been there many times. That was it and I do believe he will take the hint. He’s not a pushy person and tends to give me space when I ignore him. I really believe as long as I keep distancing myself, I’ll be fine. Like another user mentioned, by actually coming out and telling my husband everything (my husband has always joked that the pastor likes me and I’ve played it off as nothing serious) it’s like the power is gone bc there’s nothing to hide now if that makes sense. I think there was just pleasure in this “hidden” connection the pastor and I seemed to have. And it’s not hidden anymore. I truly don’t believe the pastor has done this before. I don’t notice him being flirty with anyone else, which obviously makes me a realize it’s more a me thing bc I usually flirt back or sometimes initiate.

Yes, I would consider showing this thread to my husband and may when he gets home later this evening. He would definitely be annoyed that I’ve shared this online but it’s not like Our church family are reading it. I came here to get advice from Christians other than the ones I go to church with. We live in a small town. There’s probably lucky to be 75-100 people in our church on a busy Sunday. If we left the church, it’s gonna be a major gossip fest. I know that shouldn’t matter, but everyone will immediately assume something has went on.

The difference in the flirting verbally and flirting via text in my opinion just means you’re even deeper into something than you should be, not that we haven’t already crossed lines but it doesn’t feel that deep if that’s makes sense. We haven’t developed some secret conversation behind closed doors. Every time we have flirted there have been people within earshot. The pastor and I never have any opportunity to be alone together. I mentioned to my husband the other day that I had read on several message boards if you develop a flirting relationship with a pastor to leave the church, and my husband seemed shocked and said “that’s too much.” He didn’t seem interested in leaving but I would like to give him your all’s perspective on it and see what he says. I promise I’m not arguing with any of you. Everything you’ve said makes sense. I’m praying hard on it all. It’s just not a simple leave for us. In small towns everyone wants to know why?

Small Towns

Yeah, I like them. They are so fun and funny.
Everyone knows everything about everyone else. And gossip is definitely a thing. You can't get away with anything in a small town.
I laugh the hardest at the old, long standing grudges. They are ridiculous. Two old ladies arguing over which tablecloth gets used during the Lord's supper and degrading the other one (because both are hand made) .
Then the friendly competitions are also fun to watch...all of these talking place over years.

Leaving the church would definitely cause a stir. Pastor could lose his job over it. He definitely would be stigmatized over it. Not able to get another church and his wife would be shamed as well for nothing happening.

There are plenty of shenanigans going on in small towns without adding to the stew. People taking an honest and upright stance are few enough.
Building things is very difficult and slow... destruction is easy and fast. Gotta decide if you are a builder or demolition. But I got my opinion already. LOL

 

[Mountainmanbob]

A lot of wisdom in what you’re saying, no doubt! You all have given me A LOT to think about. Yesterday, I didn’t speak to the pastor other than a greeting after he greeted me. He later texted when I was at home and asked you ok? He seems legitimately concerned, I guess because I was being so quiet which is unlike me. I said yes I’m fine, the Lord has shown me many things I don’t like about myself and he replied he’s been there many times. That was it and I do believe he will take the hint. He’s not a pushy person and tends to give me space when I ignore him. I really believe as long as I keep distancing myself, I’ll be fine. Like another user mentioned, by actually coming out and telling my husband everything (my husband has always joked that the pastor likes me and I’ve played it off as nothing serious) it’s like the power is gone bc there’s nothing to hide now if that makes sense. I think there was just pleasure in this “hidden” connection the pastor and I seemed to have. And it’s not hidden anymore. I truly don’t believe the pastor has done this before. I don’t notice him being flirty with anyone else, which obviously makes me a realize it’s more a me thing bc I usually flirt back or sometimes initiate.

Yes, I would consider showing this thread to my husband and may when he gets home later this evening. He would definitely be annoyed that I’ve shared this online but it’s not like Our church family are reading it. I came here to get advice from Christians other than the ones I go to church with. We live in a small town. There’s probably lucky to be 75-100 people in our church on a busy Sunday. If we left the church, it’s gonna be a major gossip fest. I know that shouldn’t matter, but everyone will immediately assume something has went on.

The difference in the flirting verbally and flirting via text in my opinion just means you’re even deeper into something than you should be, not that we haven’t already crossed lines but it doesn’t feel that deep if that’s makes sense. We haven’t developed some secret conversation behind closed doors. Every time we have flirted there have been people within earshot. The pastor and I never have any opportunity to be alone together. I mentioned to my husband the other day that I had read on several message boards if you develop a flirting relationship with a pastor to leave the church, and my husband seemed shocked and said “that’s too much.” He didn’t seem interested in leaving but I would like to give him your all’s perspective on it and see what he says. I promise I’m not arguing with any of you. Everything you’ve said makes sense. I’m praying hard on it all. It’s just not a simple leave for us. In small towns everyone wants to know why?

Doesn't seem like you should be texting him.
Just playing with fire.

Look around
how many pastors have been brought down
because of
getting a little too close?

The devil loves that.

M

 

[Nicole1993]

Small Towns

Yeah, I like them. They are so fun and funny.
Everyone knows everything about everyone else. And gossip is definitely a thing. You can't get away with anything in a small town.
I laugh the hardest at the old, long standing grudges. They are ridiculous. Two old ladies arguing over which tablecloth gets used during the Lord's supper and degrading the other one (because both are hand made) .
Then the friendly competitions are also fun to watch...all of these talking place over years.

Leaving the church would definitely cause a stir. Pastor could lose his job over it. He definitely would be stigmatized over it. Not able to get another church and his wife would be shamed as well for nothing happening.

There are plenty of shenanigans going on in small towns without adding to the stew. People taking an honest and upright stance are few enough.
Building things is very difficult and slow... destruction is easy and fast. Gotta decide if you are a builder or demolition. But I got my opinion already. LOL

No inappropriate comment or flirtation or affair is worth seeing a man lose his ministry and family over or wrecking my own family over. There’s pleasure in flirting but it’s fleeting and I never have any peace after. There’s peace in obedience. I really don’t want to cause a stir in the church by leaving. I don’t lie when people ask anything, so there’s definitely gonna be speculation of why we’re leaving. And I’m not sure how to put it into terms that won’t out the pastor or myself for our behavior. People are so judgmental about everything, no matter how honest you are about something.

 

[Nicole1993]

Doesn't seem like you should be texting him.
Just playing with fire.

Look around
how many pastors have been brought down
because of
getting a little too close?

The devil loves that.

M

We are a close church where it’s small, not answering would lead to him possibly confronting me in person and I’m just on the edge about actually addressing it as I don’t want to “add fuel to the fire”. I was glad to see that he could tell something was up and I think if I continue to distance myself, he will really understand. My problem before is that I rarely set any boundaries and if I did, I never had serious intentions of really following through with them. I don’t want my own heart to deceive me, but I do feel my intentions are legit this time. Once again I’m not arguing with anything you all are saying. I’m glad to get the opinions of people who seem to have a lot more wisdom than me. My husband doesn’t want to leave the church but if it’s hindering my relationship with God bc I’m focused so much on this problem, that sounds like the best option.

 

[ripple the car]

A lot of wisdom in what you’re saying, no doubt! You all have given me A LOT to think about. Yesterday, I didn’t speak to the pastor other than a greeting after he greeted me. He later texted when I was at home and asked you ok? He seems legitimately concerned, I guess because I was being so quiet which is unlike me. I said yes I’m fine, the Lord has shown me many things I don’t like about myself and he replied he’s been there many times. That was it and I do believe he will take the hint. He’s not a pushy person and tends to give me space when I ignore him. I really believe as long as I keep distancing myself, I’ll be fine. Like another user mentioned, by actually coming out and telling my husband everything (my husband has always joked that the pastor likes me and I’ve played it off as nothing serious) it’s like the power is gone bc there’s nothing to hide now if that makes sense. I think there was just pleasure in this “hidden” connection the pastor and I seemed to have. And it’s not hidden anymore. I truly don’t believe the pastor has done this before. I don’t notice him being flirty with anyone else, which obviously makes me a realize it’s more a me thing bc I usually flirt back or sometimes initiate.

Yes, I would consider showing this thread to my husband and may when he gets home later this evening. He would definitely be annoyed that I’ve shared this online but it’s not like Our church family are reading it. I came here to get advice from Christians other than the ones I go to church with. We live in a small town. There’s probably lucky to be 75-100 people in our church on a busy Sunday. If we left the church, it’s gonna be a major gossip fest. I know that shouldn’t matter, but everyone will immediately assume something has went on.

The difference in the flirting verbally and flirting via text in my opinion just means you’re even deeper into something than you should be, not that we haven’t already crossed lines but it doesn’t feel that deep if that’s makes sense. We haven’t developed some secret conversation behind closed doors. Every time we have flirted there have been people within earshot. The pastor and I never have any opportunity to be alone together. I mentioned to my husband the other day that I had read on several message boards if you develop a flirting relationship with a pastor to leave the church, and my husband seemed shocked and said “that’s too much.” He didn’t seem interested in leaving but I would like to give him your all’s perspective on it and see what he says. I promise I’m not arguing with any of you. Everything you’ve said makes sense. I’m praying hard on it all. It’s just not a simple leave for us. In small towns everyone wants to know why?

I really, really think that you should not be texting the pastor further. Get his number off your phone. We are incredibly weak and frail creatures when it comes to sin and to saying “no”, weaker than we often think.

Whether or not it’s within earshot, flirting is a big deal. He’s a married man, you’re a married woman, you are both Christians. Please, take this seriously, delete his number, and if you ultimately have to leave, leaving is better than stumbling. He shouldn’t be texting you.

 

[Endeavourer]

Besides inappropriate comments in person/winks/eye contact, the pastor and I have never touched each other or messaged through texts or social media in any inappropriate way.

What is the difference if you are flirting verbally or via text? Why is this distinction important to you?

... fast forward to this:

He later texted when I was at home and asked you ok? He seems legitimately concerned, I guess because I was being so quiet which is unlike me. I said yes I’m fine, the Lord has shown me many things I don’t like about myself and he replied he’s been there many times.

He is either as foggy as you are or is a purposeful predator who is pursuing you. I don't know about the other women on this thread, but my pastor never texts me like this after church if he misses an interaction with me. This demonstrates there is an inappropriate connection.

Also, do you see how you have minimized your texting?

Also, what happened to your resolution to distance yourself? You texted him back! This would have been a great opportunity for your husband to text him to let the pastor know you're fine and that the two of you will be in touch if any issues. Instead you engaged in a personal and private conversation which, in the context of your situation, is still being pulling into an inappropriate connection.

Dear sister, I'm so glad you had the wisdom to reach out to bounce this off of other believers. You are the least objective person on this thread because you're in the middle of the situation. We can all see how dangerous this path is. You keep taking the next step down it because you're not seeing the whole picture. You're too far into it.

If we left the church, it’s gonna be a major gossip fest. I know that shouldn’t matter, but everyone will immediately assume something has went on.

I recently went through a situation where I faced this, but the gossip would have been leaning towards the spector of church discipline action rather than petty cattiness. It was with a small denomination of about 10,000 people where everyone knows everyone (or your family). My parents are in it and it would have caused a lot of family shame. I went through a lot of stress in making my next decision but God forced me to fear Him rather than man and I took the step I knew I needed to take. I had no choice because I couldn't stay in the status quo. That has launched me into a season of accelerated, enriching spiritual growth like I've never experienced before.

It seems you may be being led to a similar juncture.

Edited to add: Imagine the gossip fest if this actually does turn into an affair.

Everything you’ve said makes sense. I’m praying hard on it all. It’s just not a simple leave for us. In small towns everyone wants to know why?

Nicole, please don't fear man so much that you cringe to do what you need to do for your own safety and spiritual health. I totally understand your situation. It's like taking nasty medicine... you just have to buck up and get it down but it will restore your health after.

I hope you don't feel I'm being judgy of you. An affair can happen to **any** one of us. Thankfully you had the awareness to realize what might be evolving before it matured. Many, many women quiet that tinge because the next connection is so stimulating and before they know it, without their intention, they are in an affair. It's not a reflection of your character or of your husband. It is a reflection on weakness in your practice of boundaries, but that is something every married person needs to keep an eye on.

I really hope you do decide to share this thread with your husband. I really hope you do decide to change churches. The reason, dear sister, is that I really hope that by taking those steps you aren't needing to come back for more advice after this blooms into an affair. Affairs can happen despite the best of intentions.

((Praying for you.))
-E.

 

[Ruzty1311]

Here we are in December. How are things going? Have you conquered your flirtatious ways? There was some really good advice here and I pray you took it

Also, and I don't know if anybody mentioned this, but that hour or so or less pleasure that you would have with him is not worth losing forever over.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

that hour or so or less pleasure that you would have with him is not worth losing forever over.

One quick little sin can have
long lasting terrible effects.
M

 

[BigDaddy4]

Also, and I don't know if anybody mentioned this, but that hour or so or less pleasure that you would have with him is not worth losing forever over.

Are you suggesting that if she gave into her temptation and had an affair that she would lose her salvation?

 

[Mountainmanbob]

Are you suggesting that if she gave into her temptation and had an affair that she would lose her salvation?

No but, it may be a sign that they are not saved.
M

 

[BigDaddy4]

No but, it may be a sign that they are not saved.
M

All have sinned and fall short of God's glory. I think it's a little reckless to suggest that one would lose their forever if they were to give into temptation.

 

[snoochface]

All have sinned and fall short of God's glory. I think it's a little reckless to suggest that one would lose their forever if they were to give into temptation.

He clearly said he was not suggesting that at all, but that it may be a sign that they were never saved to begin with.