I hear it a lot. “Why should I take a polygraph as part of my disclosure? My wife should just trust me.”
Here’s my response. The nice police officer who pulls you over for swerving all over the road gives you a breathalyzer test. Why? Because he’d be foolish to take your word for it when you slur your speech and say, “Officer, I haven’t been drinking.”
The employer gives you a urine test to make sure you aren’t on drugs. Why? Because drug addicts aren’t always the most reliable sources.
The Bible is clear: “Do not lie to each other” (Colossians 3:9). But you have lied. That’s what addicts do. And that’s where polygraphs come in.
I have never known someone who was more likely to tell the truth without a polygraph. If your wife asks for a polygraph as part of your disclosure process, give it to her. She deserves that. And if you have nothing to hide, why wouldn’t you?
Recovery Step: Should you take polygraphs for the rest of your life, to prove you’re telling the truth? No. Should you take a polygraph early in your recovery, so your wife can trust your disclosure? Probably so.
