Chastity is a fundamental principle in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Chastity is a fundamental principle in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it is a topic that goes far beyond sexual abstinence before marriage. It is a principle that encompasses purity of thought, word, and action, and it is deeply rooted in the divine nature of each of us. To speak of chastity is to speak of respect, self-love, and, above all, our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It is a topic that, although it may sometimes seem difficult to understand or even live in a world that constantly bombards us with opposing messages, is essential for our happiness and eternal progress.

When we talk about chastity, it is important to remember that our body is a sacred gift. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:15, we are taught that "the spirit and the body are the soul of man." This means that our body is not simply a temporary vehicle but an essential part of our eternal identity. The prophet Joseph Smith taught that "we could not progress without a body." That is why caring for our body and using it in a sacred manner is a responsibility we have as children of God. Chastity is a way to honor that gift.

In the Book of Mormon, in Alma 39:9, we are clearly warned about the consequences of not keeping the law of chastity: "Do not give in to any temptation, but let your virtue adorn your thoughts unceasingly; then you will draw closer to God, and He will draw closer to you; the Holy Spirit will be your constant companion, and your scepter, an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth." This verse shows us that chastity is not just a restriction but a protection. When we live this principle, we draw closer to God and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell with us, guiding us in our decisions and strengthening us in moments of weakness.

But why is chastity so important? First, because it is a commandment from God. In Exodus 20:14, one of the Ten Commandments clearly states: "You shall not commit adultery." This commandment not only refers to the physical act but also to impure thoughts and desires. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught: "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). This shows us that chastity is not just a matter of actions but also of intentions and thoughts.

Additionally, chastity is important because it affects our ability to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds us: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." When we violate the law of chastity, we defile that sacred temple and drive the Holy Spirit away from our lives. Without His guidance, we become more susceptible to temptation and less able to discern between good and evil.

But chastity is not just about avoiding sin. It is also about preparation for the future. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that marriage is an eternal ordinance and that family relationships can continue beyond death. For this to be possible, it is essential that we enter into the covenant of marriage with purity and dignity. In Doctrine and Covenants 132:19, we are promised that those who are married in the temple and keep their covenants "shall be gods, because they have no end; therefore, they shall be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then they shall be above all, because all things are subject to them." Chastity is an essential step toward achieving this glorious promise.

However, living the law of chastity is not always easy. We live in a world where sexual immorality is common and often glorified in the media, social networks, and popular culture. It is easy to feel overwhelmed or even tempted to give in to the pressures of the world. But it is important to remember that we are not alone in this struggle. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we are promised: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." God knows our weaknesses and is willing to help us if we turn to Him in prayer and seek His guidance.

Additionally, it is important to surround ourselves with good influences and avoid situations that may put us in danger. In Proverbs 4:14-15, we are warned: "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on." This means that we must be careful about the people we spend time with, the places we frequent, and the things we allow into our minds. If we surround ourselves with people who share our values and support us in our desire to live a chaste life, it will be much easier to remain steadfast in our commitments.

It is also important to remember that, although we all make mistakes, repentance is possible. In Alma 34:15-16, Amulek teaches: "And thus, He grants to those who repent and have faith in Him the opportunity to repent; and thus, He has provided a means for us to escape from the grasp of this terrible monster; yes, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit." If we have fallen into sexual immorality, we must not lose hope. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed of our sins and start anew. Repentance can be a painful process, but it is a process that leads to peace and healing.

Ultimately, chastity is a principle that helps us remember who we are and where we come from. We are children of God, with divine potential. In the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah 3:19, we are taught that "the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been since the fall of Adam, and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and puts off the natural man, and becomes a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord." Living the law of chastity is a way to put off the natural man and draw closer to our divine nature.

In conclusion, chastity is much more than a list of things we should not do. It is a principle that helps us connect with our Heavenly Father, protect our body and spirit, and prepare for the eternal blessings of marriage and family. Although it can be difficult to live this principle in a world that often despises it, we can find strength in the scriptures, in prayer, and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And if we fall, we can always turn to the Atonement of Jesus Christ to find healing and forgiveness. Chastity is not a burden but a blessing that allows us to live a life of peace, dignity, and purpose.