The Quest For The Elusive Virtue
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Chastity is the virtue that integrates a person’s sexuality within their overall identity and relationships. It is a crucial virtue for living out human sexuality in a healthy, moral, and fulfilling way. The quest for chastity has never been easy. Is a chaste life possible in our overly sexualized society? Find out in today’s message.
Turn on the news or go to social media on any day and you are likely to hear or read something about sex. It may be something concerning the LGBTQ community, gender identity, sex change, premarital sex, nonmarital sex, extramarital sex, the proliferation of pornography or any one of a myriad of other sexual topics. The world seems hyper focused on sex. Has the virtue of chastity been pushed aside in the modern world?
Chastity requires the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus, the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being. It involves self-mastery, the ability to control one’s sexual impulses and desires, and a continual reorientation towards true authentic love.
Human beings are complex creatures, characterized by a myriad of desires, emotions, and instincts. Among these, sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human nature. It is deeply ingrained in our biological and psychological makeup, influencing our behaviors, relationships, and even our societal structures. However, the quest for chastity, and the proper use of our sexuality can indeed be a lifelong struggle.
We are created by God as sexual beings, but our sexuality must be understood and lived within the proper context of God’s plan. Sex is good, natural, and it is a gift from God. However, it is meant to be a selfless gift and by God’s design our sexual desires must be tempered by the virtue of chastity.
The pursuit of chastity has never been easy throughout human history. Living out the virtue of chastity is especially hard in our modern world, which is infected with loose morals, a prevalence of depraved morality, and finally many false teachings which excessively glamorize sex.
Preserving chastity requires both spiritual effort and discipline! All Christians should willingly adopt the means and techniques for chaste living: self-knowledge, the practice of strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline known as ascesis, appropriate for the situations that confront them, obedience to God’s commandments, exercise of the moral virtues, and a strong relentless fidelity to prayer.
The pursuit of chastity, whether for a single person, a married couple, or someone who has chosen to pursue celibacy, is a lifelong struggle that requires great spiritual discipline and reliance on God’s grace. Even though God has blessed us with grace, we all continue to struggle against concupiscence of the flesh and disordered desires, all thanks to original sin. We must always fight against temptations and our own human weaknesses to live this virtue faithfully.
Chastity, often misunderstood and undervalued, is a virtue deeply rooted in Christian tradition. It is not merely about abstinence, but rather a holistic approach to human sexuality that respects the dignity of the person and the sanctity of marriage.
The Bible, particularly in the New Testament, emphasizes the importance of chastity. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Paul writes, “This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality, that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God.” We must always remember that God did not call us to impurity but to holiness. Chastity is nothing less than a call to sanctification and honor.
Chastity is often seen as elusive because it challenges the modern narrative of sexual freedom without boundaries. However, from a Christian perspective, chastity is not a restriction but a path to true freedom. It frees us from the shackles of objectification and allows us to experience love in its purest form.
In the context of marriage, chastity is not abandoned but takes on a new form. It becomes about fidelity and mutual respect. Married couples are called to be chaste by being faithful to each other and honoring the marital bond. This understanding of chastity strengthens the marital relationship and fosters a healthy family environment.
Chastity also plays a crucial role in personal spiritual growth. It cultivates other virtues such as patience, self-control, and respect for others. These virtues are essential for leading a Christ-centered life. By practicing chastity, individuals can grow closer to God and strive for holiness.
Chastity requires constant vigilance and a strong commitment to Christian values. The secular world presents a distorted view of sexuality, making chastity seem outdated or irrelevant. Sex on TV, sex in the movies, sex on the internet, and pornography everywhere all pose a temptation for Christians. As Christians we are called to be countercultural, to stand firm in our beliefs even when they go against the tide.
The Church provides guidance and support for those striving to live a chaste life. It provides many opportunities to receive the grace we need to remain steadfast. Spiritual direction, prayer, and the study of Scripture are also invaluable tools on our journey. If your quest for chastity is an ongoing struggle, tell someone and seek help. If you have sexual sins in your life, you are not alone. Remember, God is always ready to offer us His mercy and forgiveness.
In conclusion, chastity is not an outdated concept but a vital aspect of Christian life. It is a call to respect the dignity of the human person, to honor the sanctity of marriage, and to strive for personal holiness. While it may seem elusive in today’s world, with God’s grace and the support of the Church, it is a virtue that can be cultivated and lived out.
Heaven Father, I recognize that my body is a temple of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the gift of my sexuality. I want to glorify you by the way I live my life, by the way I use my body and by the way I live out my sexuality. Forgive me for any time I have misused this precious gift. Strengthen me in my quest for the virtue of chastity. Amen!
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
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In my situation, marital chastity has been especially challenging. My spouse’s brain illness has resulted in my becoming a fulltime caregiver (fifteen years now). The illness robbed him of his joy and peace. I’ve heard it called ‘ambiguous loss’, because I’ve essentially lost the person I knew and inherited a difficult and distant stranger. He sleeps until the afternoon, and despite years of treatment, is unable to participate in a balanced and healthy relationship. I am entirely responsible for both of us and our household. It’s only through prayer, bible and support groups that I have been sustained.
A priest told me it’s possible to love someone without liking them, but it’s certainly not the life I wanted. I am lonely for the love and intimacy no longer available to me. I do rely on God’s grace.
As usual, a great thought and inspiration. Thank you for all you do for others by relating our everyday lives with God.
Blessings come your way.
Pat
Thanks for your post. The banner/tapestry you made for Broken Door Ministry hangs in the chapel in our home. I remember you in prayer when I see it. Thank you!
Brian