We don t need to be surprised if the carnal mind, as the Bible describes it, would try to corrupt or sensualize our thoughts and feelings. This so-called mind is always hostile to chastity and would attempt to undermine or shake our love of purity and fidelity to Soul. But those who reach for this ideal have a basis for protection. It is the Christ, always within consciousness, that gives us the strength to be pure, the ability to resist feelings that are actually alien to our real affections. It s just as important that chastity be nurtured by those within a marriage as by those who choose to be single.
Chastity protects any relationship from whatever cheapens or debases.
The world too often seems ready to corrupt unprotected thought. Chastity can be an immense influence in stabilizing a marriage, just as it blesses other arenas of human activity. The institution of marriage, sheltering a uniquely intimate relationship, has through the centuries come face to face with a number of societal issues infidelity, divorce, sensuality, homosexuality, polygamy, domestic violence. In the light of the buffeting marriage has received, perhaps it s remarkable how well this very special approach to a public covenant has stood up, and in fact still flourishes. Chastity is an underlying power that gives marriage the capacity to make a major contribution, blessing and steadying society.