Controlling Our Bodies and Minds
This sounds like a simple task… making sure we do what we really want to do and behavior who we want to be. It sounds simple, but it is not. Many people are using and abusing their bodies; many are treating others despicable ways. Being chaste means we really watch our behavior and thoughts. We treat others with respect and kindness and expect to be treated that way ourselves. We love our bodies and are grateful for them. We never put harmful substances in them or do things that will give us negative consequences that we do not want to have to suffer. We have real love for ourselves and our families. We want to be able to look in the mirror and know we are making God happy with us. Love should be at the forefront of this entire endeavor.
Some say that believing in chaste behavior is too restrictive and you should be able to do what you want to do. Those same people would not like if unchaste behavior was done to them such as their spouse cheating on them. Some do not think it is silly we should avoid drinking alcohol; really… when was poisoning yourself, destroying your liver, losing your self-control, throwing up, and stumbling around like a weirdo a good self-respecting idea. We have limited time here on earth and we need to focus on who we want to be not waste time messing around. |
Elder David A. Bednar “Things As They Really Are” (2003) teaches that the Holy Ghost cannot lie and only tells the truth in all situations. We need to stay close to the Holy Ghost, so we can see things clearly and not be deceived by “conspiring men”. We need to avoid Satan’s distractions and confusion that attack us through lies and cunning false logic. Satan wants us to use our body for harmful things with negative consequences.
Elder Bednar asks us to remember that God knows us and who we came grow to be in this life. |
Elder David A. Bednar “We Believe in Being Chaste” (2013) says that we have a “divine destiny” and are being prepared for eternity. We have been “entrusted” with the gift and power to bring spirit children down to earth and give them bodies. We all need to come here and learn certain things. We are responsible for preparing children and having the character skills that makes great parents; most importantly is unconditional love. Elder Bednar teaches that men and women are to work together and can “learn” from each other. We all make mistakes. Bednar says, “Lucifer wants us ultimately to be alone in the dark and without hope.” We need to keep trying and doing our best. |