"The moral code of heaven for both men and women is complete chastity before marriage and full fidelity after marriage."
Our teacher for today's lesson was Sister Laura Bunnell. We began by reading from the introduction to the chapter about President Benson's thoughts and feelings on the steady moral decline that was, even at that time, prevalent throughout the world. We read that "He took a strong stand against this decline, teaching that 'the law of chastity is a principle of eternal significance.' He declared that 'in the Church and kingdom of God, chastity will never be out-of-date, regardless of what the world may do or say.' He taught that 'We must be in the amoral and immoral world, ...but not of it. We must be able to drop off to sleep at night without having to first sing lullabies to our conscience.'"
As we discussed this paragraph, it was suggested that 'singing lullabies to our conscience' might mean that we may try to make justification for some of our actions so that we avoid feeling guilt or remorse. Or that we attempt to deflect our thoughts from things we may have done that could use some improvement.
President Benson spoke of a situation in which a young lady was preparing to go out on a date with a young man to a place of questionable reputation, even though her parents tried to discourage her from going. She suggested that there was no harm in just going in to see what goes on there, so her parents likely gave in to her wishes. They suggested that she wear her lovely white dress for the occasion. Just before the young man arrived to pick her up, her father asked her if she would please do him a favor by going out to the smokehouse to bring in a side of bacon.
The girl was shocked at this request and reminded him that she was wearing her very best dress and "I would never get rid of that awful smell." Her mother agreed that she couldn't go into the smokehouse without her hair and clothing absorbing some of the influence that was there. She also said to her daughter "We think you are smart enough not to go into a place where you would come out any less beautiful and clean than when you went in." With this wise counsel, the young girl made the right decision to keep herself "unspotted and clean from evil influences in the world."
Sister Bunnell presented the concept that we should always endeavor to present ourselves to the world as a chaste and moral person in our manner of dress, makeup, language and behavior. If we have the Holy Spirit with us at all times, it will show in our countenance. We are always exposed to different lifestyles in all aspects of our lives and can't live in a sterile bubble, but we can live life in the best way possible without giving in to the temptations that are all around us. By even considering a temptation, we are in danger of absorbing part of the evil influences it offers.
Marriage, as recognized in the Church, is only between man and woman who have been lawfully wed - not merely committed to live together. Men and women should remain chaste before marriage and after marriage should live their lives in full fidelity with each other. In the Book of Mormon, Jacob tells us that the Lord delights in the chastity of His children. (Jacob 2:28) Mormon taught the same thing to his son in Moroni 9:9 where he wrote that chastity and virtue are "most dear and precious above all things."
The commitment of marriage should be that your chosen partner is the 'best' in all ways. There should be no temptation to prefer any other over your partner. Devotion to each other will strengthen the bonds of your marriage.
President Benson advises us to "go to the marriage altar pure and clean. Reserve for the marriage relationship those sweet and intimate associations which the God of Heaven intended should be a part of marriage and not be indulged in outside of the marriage covenant. I care not what the world says, but these are the standards of the kingdom of God."
The plaguing sin of this generation is sexual immorality.
President Benson warns that the great sin of this generation is not only striking in the world, but in the Church, as well. We must not ignore the fact by "putting our heads in the sand". We must remember that moral purity is an eternal principle and that the Spirit of God cannot dwell in an unclean tabernacle".
"In the eyes of God there is but one moral standard for men and women. In the eyes of God chastity will never be out of date." Happy and successful homes cannot be built on immorality.
In remaining chaste we should be very careful in our choice of friends, books, movies, television, music, even games. The evil of temptation does not overcome all at once, it chips away a little at a time until we discover that we have strayed too far off the right path and must go through the process of true repentance to reestablish our standards of behavior. A person cannot do wrong and feel right. "Anytime one breaks a law of God,... he removes himself from contact with the Spirit of God."
In order to stay morally clean, we need to prepare ourselves to resist temptation.
Satan knows we all have a need to feel loved and worthwhile, that we seek after joy and happiness, and he has a multitude of temptations that will lure people into immorality by promising pleasure, happiness and fulfillment. President Benson reminds of the scripture in Alma 41:10 which says "Wickedness never was happiness". He also mentions an old saying that states: "It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent." If we can prepare ourselves to resist temptation, we will prevent ourselves from falling into sin.
No one is above temptation, but we can remain morally clean by avoiding even the appearance of evil. Dress modestly, choose friends wisely, do not put yourself in a compromising situation, do not allow yourself to be valued only on your appearance, or on your relationship with another person. Don't send 'mixed signals' - dressing one way and acting or speaking in another way. Remain chaste in an unchaste world by adhering to high gospel standards.
There are a number of suggestions given to aid in becoming morally strong and resisting temptation.
Clean thoughts. Control your thoughts. The first seeds of immorality are sown in the mind. We are particularly warned against the evils of pornography. In today's age of technology, evil and wickedness are invading our lives through books, magazines, television, movies, and the Internet. Proverbs 23:7 says "As a man thinketh, so is he". Think good, clean thoughts.
Prayers for strength. Always remember to pray for the power to resist temptation. Pray daily for constant strength to avoid those things that would lead us into temptation.
Avoidance of improper situations. Be mindful that "harmless" flirting and teasing with members of the opposite sex may easily lead to more serious involvement and eventual infidelity. One thing leads to another and tragedy may result. It is so much easier to avoid such circumstance from the very beginning by staying away from questionable situations.
Modesty. Modesty in dress, language and behavior is the true hallmark of a virtuous Latter-day Saint. Shun those things that would entice you to lower your standards.
Healthful, positive activities. Overcome evil with good. Participate in activities that encourage good physical exertion and healthful activities. Fill your life with positive activities. Seek to fill your life with righteousness by daily scripture study, daily prayer, church attendance, service to others. Replace negative influences with righteous activities that will increase our spiritual strength.
Through proper repentance, those who are entangled in sexual sin can become clean again.
The counsel to prepare and prevent is often too late for some who may already be deeply entangled in serious sin. In these cases, the only choice is to repair the damage and repent of those sins. Doc. & Cov. 58:42 promises, "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."
Parents should teach their children to live the law of chastity.
In order to instruct children properly in the law of chastity, it is necessary for parents to have love and respect for each other, to be fully supportive and have full fidelity in their relationship. Parents need to show the proper example as well as speak the proper words of guidance and counsel.
God has given us the law of chastity to bring us joy.
Our Heavenly Father desires nothing for us but to be happy. He tells us only those things that will bring us joy. President Benson promises us that, "when we obey the law of chastity and keep ourselves morally clean, we will experience the blessings of increased love and peace, greater trust and respect for our marital partners, deeper commitment to each other, and therefore a deep and significant sense of joy and happiness."
May we all experience the joy and happiness our Heavenly Father offers by always following His laws and commandments.
Your bloggess,
Karen
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