Study Recap: The Law of Chastity by President Ezra Taft Benson

Title: The Law of Chastity
Author: Ezra Taft Benson
Source: October 1988 Liahona (from a devotional address delivered at BYU)
Link: https://www.lds.org/liahona/1988/10/the-law-of-chastity?lang=eng
Summary: When we keep ourselves morally clean, we will experience the blessings of increased love and peace, and a deep and significant sense of joy and happiness.
Rating: 4.5/5

Favorite Points

• 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—for men and women, for old and young, for rich and poor.
• The law of chastity is a principle of eternal significance. We must not be influenced by the many voices of the world. We must listen to the voice of the Lord and then determine that we will start to keep his commandments.
• As the world seeks solutions for this disease, which began primarily through widespread homosexuality, they look everywhere but to the law of the Lord. There are many health 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 encouraging their basic needs. He promises pleasure, happiness, and fulfillment.
• There is an old saying that states: It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent. How true that is of the law of chastity. The first line of defense in keeping ourselves morally clean is to prepare ourselves to resist temptation and prevent ourselves from falling into sin.
•  No one steps into immorality in an instant. The first seeds of immorality are always sown in the mind. When we allow our thoughts to dwell on crude or immoral things, the first step on the road to immorality has been taken.
• Many of the tragedies of immorality begin when a man and woman are alone in the office, or at church, or driving in a car. At first there may be no intent or even thought of sin. But the circumstances provide a fertile seedbed for temptation. One thing leads to another, and very quickly tragedy may result. It is so much easier to avoid such circumstances from the start so that temptation gets no chance for development.
• One of Satan’s most effective strategies with those whom he has lured into sin is to whisper in their ears that they are not worthy to pray. He will tell you that Heavenly Father is so displeased with you that He will never hear your prayers. This is a lie, and he says it to deceive us.  
• No one is more anxious to help you flee from sin than your Heavenly Father
• It is not enough simply to try to resist evil or empty our lives of sin. We must also fill our lives with righteousness. We must engage in activities that bring spiritual power.