We Believe in Being Chaste

Sisters,
This might sound like a discussion/talk that should be given to a group of young people, but in the time line of eternity, we qualify. I don't think there is ever a time when we can put any of the gospel principles behind us and say, "Check that one off." and consider it done. We are on this earth to learn all along our way, hopefully earning our way back home to live with our Father in Heaven. If we can keep the eternal perspective in mind, we can evaluate each day as part of our earthly course in obedience.
We made the right choice by following the Savior as we are here with a body of flesh and bones.
"Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our premortal existence. Thus, our relationships with other people, our capacity to recognize and act in accordance with truth, and our ability to obey the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are amplified through our physical bodies. In the school of mortality, we experience tenderness, love, kindness, happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, and even the challenges of physical limitations in ways that prepare us for eternity. Simply stated, there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have, as the scriptures describe, “according to the flesh” (1 Nephi 19:6; Alma 7:12–13)." I like this particular paragraph because it is simply stated what some of our opportunities are. We made the decision to come experience all that this life has to offer, good and bad.
Sister Griffin mentioned that we can learn from pain in our lives. How can we know what is wrong and correct it if we don't have some pain? I don't think any of us would ask for some more pain, but we certainly can all understand the importance of feeling heat, cold, hunger, etc. in the sense of pain. We can care for our bodies by acknowledging pain and changing our circumstances. The same thing can be said for pain to our spiritual being. If we do not live the law of chastity, we will feel pain in our soul as we break one of God's most important laws.
The ability to create life is sacred. It should never be taken lightly. One sister mentioned that if we act upon our earthly desires, it is "all about ME, whereas, if we are guided by love, it is "all about YOU."
"The commandment to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force today. Thus, marriage between a man and a woman is the authorized channel through which premortal spirits enter mortality. Complete sexual abstinence before marriage and total fidelity within marriage protect the sanctity of this sacred channel.

The power of procreation is spiritually significant. Misuse of this power subverts the purposes of the Father’s plan and of our mortal existence. Our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son are creators and have entrusted each of us with a portion of Their creative power. Specific guidelines for the proper use of the ability to create life are vital elements in the Father’s plan. How we feel about and use that supernal power will determine in large measure our happiness in mortality and our destiny in eternity." It is often the nature of the "natural man/woman" to abuse power bestowed upon them. That can happen to us as well, which is why I think Elder Bendar's commets about our possible destinies are so timely.

If we live within the prescribed direction for chastity, whether we are married or single, we will be able to strengthen the bonds of love with those in our families.

"To some degree, the natural man described by King Benjamin is alive and well in each of us (see Mosiah 3:19). The natural man or woman is unrepentant, is carnal and sensual (see Mosiah 16:5; Alma 42:10; Moses 5:13), is indulgent and excessive, and is prideful and selfish." I believe these scriptures clearly state how we should live a chaste life.

There are countless scriptures that can guide us in this challenge. We are reminded that the "spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" and that Satan will spend all his time trying to thwart our best efforts. He wants us to be miserable along with him. When we err, we have our conscience and the Holy Ghost to guide us and the  great principle of repentance. No matter what we have done, we can repent and turn our backs on that which has tempted us. The Lord loves each of us!

If we allow the Lord to be our constant companion and let virtue garnish our thoughts each day, we can hopefully get to a point where we can become  pure in heart, where we will be at home in the presence of the Lord. The atonement is our soothing salve to the wounds that inflict us on earth. Each of us can "earn" a peace of conscience if we follow the Lord's council.

Your "boggess"

Janice