The Law of Chastity
Chapter 39, pg. 225
Parents have the obligation to teach their children the law of chastity, modesty, and about procreation. Talk to children frankly but reverently, using correct names for body parts, so they will develop the proper attitudes toward their bodies. Parents should not display embarassment or anxiety when doing so. If children feel uncomfortable talking to their parents about the subject, they will turn to peers for information, which may be incorrect and not in harmony with gospel principles.
Adam and Eve were placed on this earth and commanded to multiply and replenish the earth. They were married by God prior to receiving the instruction. We are taught the only place sexual relations are to be engaged in are after marriage, and then only with our spouse. This teaching is the law of chastity. Prior to marriage, actions that arouse sexual desires are to be avoided. This includes touching over clothing and passionate kissing.
Homosexual behavior is a serious sin. Latter-day prophets have spoken about the dangers of homosexual behavior and about the Church's concern for people who may have such inclinations. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If persons with homosexual inclinations do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. We are to love them as sons and daughters of God. We are to help them, assist them, and strengthen them.
Satan wants us to break the law of chastity to prevent us fron returning to live with our Heavenly Father. We must guard ourselves against powerful influences. Our children have experiences in school, with peers, that are much different than ours may have been. Open communication is essential. Required are modest dress and thoughts as well as actions that are pure. President Gordon B. Hinkley said, "You live in a world of terrible temptations. Pornograpy, with its sleezy filth, sweeps over the earth like a horrible engulfing tide. It is poison. Do not watch it or read it. It will destroy you if you do. It will take from you your self-respect. It will rob you of a sense of the beauties of life. It will tear you down and pull you into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly of evil actions. Stay away from it. Shun it as you would a foul disease, for it is just as deadly. Be virtuous in thought and in deed. God has planted in you, for a purpose, a divine urge which may be easily subverted to evil and destructive ends. When you are young, do not get involved in steady dating. When you reach an age where you think of marriage, then is the time to become so involved. But you boys who are in high school don't need this, and neither do the girls." (Ensign, Nov. 1997, 51).
Those who break the law of chastity are subject to Church discipline; however, they can be forgiven. Peace comes only through forgiveness. When a child is conceived out of wedlock, every effort should be made to encourage the couple to marry. If this is not to be, counseling pertaining to adoption through LDS Family Services to ensure that the baby will be sealed to temple-worthy parents should occur. Those who keep the law of chastity are greatly blessed. Those who break the law of chastity can be forgiven. Seek the counsel of your bishop. Peace comes only through forgiveness.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sunday Lesson-August
Relief Society August 14, 2011
Lesson: Eternal Marriage
Chapter 38, pg 219
Marriage is ordained of God and is a vital part of God's plan. Marriages are intended to last forever, not just until our mortal death. Adam and Eve were married by God prior to the fall and death entering in this world. Through the restoration of the gospel, eternal marriage was restored to the earth.
Eternal marriage is essential for exaltation. Although most consider marriage to be a legal contract or social custom, Latter-day Saints recognize marriage as much more. Our exaltation depends on marriage and remaining faithful in keeping our covenants. We believe it is the most sacred relationship that can exist between a man and a woman. It affects our happiness now and in the eternities.
Heavenly Father gave us the law of eternal marriage so we could become like Him. In order to enter the highest order of the celestial kingdom, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood; although it may not occur in this life.
Eternal marriage must be performed by proper authority in the temple by one who holds the sealing power. Temples are the only place this holy ordinance can be performed. Those holding the sealing power were given the authority to perform this sacred ordinance. That priesthood holder acts under the direction of the Lord and promises the couple the blessings of exaltation. He instructs them in the things they must do to receive those blessings, and reminds them that all blessings depond on obedience to the laws of God.
There are many benefits of an eternal marriage. We know our marriage can last forever. We know that our family relationships can continue throughout eternity. We are entitled to an outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage as we remain worthy. We can live in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom of God. We can be exalted as God is and receive a fulness of joy.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught: "Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects, for it has to do not only with immediate happiness, but also with eternal joys. It affects not only the two people involved, but also their families and particularly their children and their children's children down through the many generations. In selecting a companion for life and for eternity, certainly the most careful planning and thinking and praying and fasting should be done to be sure that of all the decision, this one must not be wrong." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 193).
Ways suggested in which we could strenghen our marriages included: Serving each other, prayer, respect, loyalty, communication, time together, patience, value/esteem each other, forgiveness, partnership, tolerance, fun, friends, selflessness, intimacy, happiness.
No matter what our situation - married, unmarried, divorced, widowed, we must continue preparing for celestial glory
Lesson: Eternal Marriage
Chapter 38, pg 219
Marriage is ordained of God and is a vital part of God's plan. Marriages are intended to last forever, not just until our mortal death. Adam and Eve were married by God prior to the fall and death entering in this world. Through the restoration of the gospel, eternal marriage was restored to the earth.
Eternal marriage is essential for exaltation. Although most consider marriage to be a legal contract or social custom, Latter-day Saints recognize marriage as much more. Our exaltation depends on marriage and remaining faithful in keeping our covenants. We believe it is the most sacred relationship that can exist between a man and a woman. It affects our happiness now and in the eternities.
Heavenly Father gave us the law of eternal marriage so we could become like Him. In order to enter the highest order of the celestial kingdom, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood; although it may not occur in this life.
Eternal marriage must be performed by proper authority in the temple by one who holds the sealing power. Temples are the only place this holy ordinance can be performed. Those holding the sealing power were given the authority to perform this sacred ordinance. That priesthood holder acts under the direction of the Lord and promises the couple the blessings of exaltation. He instructs them in the things they must do to receive those blessings, and reminds them that all blessings depond on obedience to the laws of God.
There are many benefits of an eternal marriage. We know our marriage can last forever. We know that our family relationships can continue throughout eternity. We are entitled to an outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage as we remain worthy. We can live in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom of God. We can be exalted as God is and receive a fulness of joy.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught: "Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects, for it has to do not only with immediate happiness, but also with eternal joys. It affects not only the two people involved, but also their families and particularly their children and their children's children down through the many generations. In selecting a companion for life and for eternity, certainly the most careful planning and thinking and praying and fasting should be done to be sure that of all the decision, this one must not be wrong." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 193).
Ways suggested in which we could strenghen our marriages included: Serving each other, prayer, respect, loyalty, communication, time together, patience, value/esteem each other, forgiveness, partnership, tolerance, fun, friends, selflessness, intimacy, happiness.
No matter what our situation - married, unmarried, divorced, widowed, we must continue preparing for celestial glory
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ward Summer Social-This Saturday!!
Saturday, August 13th 6pm at Ora Mae Harn Park
Bring your own meat to grill (and buns if necessary) plus a side dish to share. Drinks, condiments and paper ware provided.
We will start with water balloons and and end the evening with the candy cannon. LOTS OF FUN!!!
You may want to bring chairs or blankets to relax on and enjoy ALL the FUN that we'll be had!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!
Bring your own meat to grill (and buns if necessary) plus a side dish to share. Drinks, condiments and paper ware provided.
We will start with water balloons and and end the evening with the candy cannon. LOTS OF FUN!!!
You may want to bring chairs or blankets to relax on and enjoy ALL the FUN that we'll be had!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!
RS Sunday Lesson August 7, 2011
Reverence
Our lesson focused on reverence. The three areas discussed that would help us develope greater reverence were 1) Respect, 2) Humility, and 3) Gratitude.
When we think of our love for Heavenly Father, we will become more reverent. Our deep respect will grow into love for Him. As Latter Day Saints, we know more about Heavenly Father than many others. We should therefore have greater love for Him. We can show our love by making good choices, having better manners, and serving Him. We should keep His commandments if we desire to increase our reverence. Our love for Him is demonstrated by the kindness we show others, when we have a reverent attitude, and when we obey commandments understanding the purpose for doing so. When we relinquish our will to do the Lord's will, we become more reverent.
Humility to change lends itself to submissiveness to the Lord's will. Humility turns the switch of pride off. Humility is a process. We discover humility by thinking less about ourselves, not less of ourselves. We must be submissive to what the Lord asks of us.
Gratitude for all Heavenly Father has blessed us with helps us become more reverent.
Testimonies of several sisters followed the lesson.
Our lesson focused on reverence. The three areas discussed that would help us develope greater reverence were 1) Respect, 2) Humility, and 3) Gratitude.
When we think of our love for Heavenly Father, we will become more reverent. Our deep respect will grow into love for Him. As Latter Day Saints, we know more about Heavenly Father than many others. We should therefore have greater love for Him. We can show our love by making good choices, having better manners, and serving Him. We should keep His commandments if we desire to increase our reverence. Our love for Him is demonstrated by the kindness we show others, when we have a reverent attitude, and when we obey commandments understanding the purpose for doing so. When we relinquish our will to do the Lord's will, we become more reverent.
Humility to change lends itself to submissiveness to the Lord's will. Humility turns the switch of pride off. Humility is a process. We discover humility by thinking less about ourselves, not less of ourselves. We must be submissive to what the Lord asks of us.
Gratitude for all Heavenly Father has blessed us with helps us become more reverent.
Testimonies of several sisters followed the lesson.
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