The Law of Chastity | Ezra Taft Benson | 1987
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The law of chastity is a principle of eternal significance. Take seriously this counsel to avoid sin, and to use the blessings of repentance when needed.
This speech was given on October 13, 1987.
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"My dear brothers and sisters, what a thrill it is to look out over this congregation. I so much appreciate the collective power of righteousness that you represent.
In this dispensation the Lord reiterated the commandment given at Sinai when He said, “Thou shalt not . . . commit adultery, . . . nor do anything like unto it” (D&C 59:6; emphasis added). From the beginning of time, the Lord has set a clear and unmistakable standard of sexual purity. It always has been, it is now, and it always will be the same. That standard is the law of chastity. It is the same for all-it is the same for men and women; it is the same for old and young; it is the same for rich and poor.
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob tells us that the Lord delights in the chastity of His children (see Jacob 2:28). Do you hear that, my brothers and sisters? The Lord is not just pleased when we are chaste. He delights in chastity. Mormon taught the same thing to his son, Moroni, when he wrote that chastity and virtue are “most dear and precious above all things” (Moroni 9:9).
My dear brothers and sisters, the law of chastity is a principle of eternal significance. We must not be swayed by the many voices of the world. We must listen to the voice of the Lord and then determine that we will set our feet irrevocably upon the path He has marked.
Reaping the Consequences
The world is already beginning to reap the consequences of its abandonment of any standards of morality. As just one example, recently the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the United States warned that if a cure for AIDS is not quickly found, it could become a worldwide epidemic that “will dwarf such earlier medical disasters as the Black Plague, smallpox, and typhoid” (“HHS Chief Says AIDS Will Dwarf the Plague,” Salt Lake Tribune, 30 January 1987, p. A-1).
As the world seeks solutions for this disease, which began primarily through widespread homosexuality, people look everywhere but to the law of the Lord. There are numerous agencies, both public and private, trying to combat AIDS. They seek increased funding for research. They sponsor programs of education and information. They write bills aimed at protecting the innocent from infection. They set up treatment programs for those who have already become infected. These are important and necessary programs, and we commend those efforts. But why is it we rarely hear anyone calling for a return to chastity, for a commitment to virtue and fidelity?
I recognize that most people fall into sexual sin in a misguided attempt to fulfill basic human needs. We all have a need to feel loved and worthwhile. We all seek to have joy and happiness in our lives. Knowing this, Satan often lures people into immorality by playing on their basic needs. He promises pleasure, happiness, and fulfillment.
But this is, of course, a deception. As the writer of Proverbs says: “Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul” (Proverbs 6:32). Samuel the Lamanite taught the same thing when he said, “Ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of . . . righteousness” (Helaman 13:38). Alma said it more simply: “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).
Do not be misled by Satan’s lies. There is no lasting happiness in immorality. There is no joy to be found in breaking the law of chastity. Just the opposite is true. There may be momentary pleasure. For a time it may seem like everything is wonderful. But quickly the relationship will sour. Guilt and shame set in. We become fearful that our sins will be discovered. We must sneak and hide, lie and cheat. Love begins to die. Bitterness, jealousy, anger, and even hate begin to grow. All of these are the natural results of sin and transgression.
On the other hand, 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 o..."
I am non-LDS from India, went to BYU. I loved every seconds of my time at BYU 1993. I love President Benson and great love for Mormons. I am Buddhist but I love him so much. Amazing Divine Soul...
Miss these days of prophets who spoke boldly, to the point. There was no need to go home abd study to find out what past orohets message was as it was clear as the sun at noon day. Im so grateful i cane up in a time of these great past prophets !
This IS so True.
A timeless message. If those in the audience could see our day I'm sure they would be utterly shocked at the state of the world today.
Thank you so much, this blessed my spiritual moments for my fasting Sunday this May 2022.
The horrible tragedy created by falling in immorality is the worse feeling you will have. It will bring you more sorrow than you could ever imagine. Listen to the Prophet!!
I lost all in 1983 and went inactive soon thereafter. I missed so much in the following years during Presidents Benson and Hinkle's tenures. Ezra Taft Benson's messages, insights now hit home. Many many regrets here and now.
It's a great blessing though that you realize it: your present and future are bright within this realization :)
Did you return to activity?
Living the commandments of God reveals from the Spirit of the Lord to his children the concern and care that the Heavenly Father and Jesus Cristo have in guiding our steps to where we should goin this life. The command to remain pure and the law of chastity may seem the same and perhaps they are. As much as we want to know God, learn more about His mysteries, gain strength from His law, nourish our thoughts and hearts with all the virtue and righteousness we need to overcome and endure the trails of this world that hates evil.
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