Naive

It’s been awhile since I felt genuinely naïve, but last night the streak was broken. I’ll admit, I’m not always that socially savvy. I rarely "get it" when someone tells a naughty joke, I’m confused about which social drugs you smoke and which ones you take via pill, and I couldn’t begin to differentiate popular alcoholic beverages. (If my parents read this, and I know they will, they’ll be relieved to hear these things.) Don’t get me wrong, I’m genuinely thankful that these are not issues I deal with. I also typically tend to look for the good in people and give them the benefit of the doubt. Some of these characteristics provide The Pastor entertainment at my expense. Last night my naiveté came shining through.

We were watching Fox News. During the commercial break, an ad came on showing a couple having an obviously bad dinner date. The man was inattentive, insensitive, and rude. The woman was embarrassed and furious. The narrator then revealed that this couple was married and a banner came on the screen that said “www.AshleyMadison.com - When Divorce Is Not An Option.” That was all it said.

The Pastor looked at me. “What does that mean?”

“I have no idea.” I answered, only half paying attention because I was fooling around with my computer. (and one can never be required to pay full attention when using an electronic device).

The evening went on and he continued watching the news and I continued on with my computer work until the same commercial came on again.

“What is this?” he asked again

After watching more carefully the second time, I was sure I had the answer. “It must be an ad for marriage counseling.” I said. “What else could it possibly be?”

To answer my own question (the same way I answer all my own questions) I Googled it. Once I got my browser pointed to the proper page I nearly fell off my faux-leather chair. Definitely not a marriage counseling site. I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

“The Ashley Madison Agency – Married Dating and Affairs”. The tag line on the website was, "Life is short. Have an affair." I'm shocked that we live in a culture where we advertise infidelity during the evening news. I'm not usually one to boycott companies because of their political or social agendas, but this is just about enough to make me find another news channel. We married people have enough challenges in our relationships without being encouraged to have extramarital affairs while watching the weather forecast.

If you happen to see an ad for AshleyMadison.com, please don't go there expecting marriage counselling. Instead, turn off your TV, go give your spouse a kiss, and thank the Lord you aren't as naive as me!

"Whoever commits adultery lacks judgement, whoever does so destroys himself." Proverbs 6:32