Abstain From Sexual Immorality

The prophet Alma advised his son Corianton to keep away from sexual immorality. He told him, “Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things.” (Alma 39:9)

Sex within marriage is divinely approved. Sex outside marriage is an abomination and runs counter to the Law of Chastity which demands that we abstain from sex before marriage and which enjoins spouses to remain faithful to each other after marriage.

The prophet gave the advice when he observed that his son had abandoned his ministry and was going after prostitutes. He told his son to forsake his sins and be diligent in keeping the commandments of God. He was admonished to be keen in the things of God.

In the world today, Satan has deceived so many people into believing that sex outside marriage is acceptable. The word of God frowns on such a thing. In Ephesians 5:3 the word of God says, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.” It is unchristian to violate the Law of Chastity.

The admonition, “go no more after the lusts of your eyes” is relevant today as it was then. As a result of advancement in technology today, we have a lot of pornographic materials that can cause us to sin; they excite our sexual passions. Sex videos are common; when we watch them, it arouses our sexual feelings and this can lead us to sin. Consider what the LORD Jesus Christ said, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

It is unfortunate that movies that are both suggestive and lewd are shown on TVs. If the youth are to preserve their virtue, they must stop watching pornographic materials in all its forms. They must keep away from music that has sounds and lyrics that are suggestive of sex or are capable of stimulating sexual feelings. Sex is sacred; it is meant for procreation and to bring joy to only those who are legally and lawfully married. Under no circumstances should the power of creation be abused and debased.

Homosexual practices and lesbianism are totally unacceptable and must be avoided.

The prophets have taught us about the consequences of immorality and pornography. In one such testimony, President Gordon B. Hinckley wrote: “Pornography is printed and pictorial material designed to excite us and attract us into areas that will only bring regret. It is enticing in its appeal. It plays on the instincts that lie within all us, God-given instincts placed within us for his great purposes. Pornography is a tool of the devil to twist those instincts to forbidden ends. It most often involves beautiful young women and handsome young men. The purpose of its creation is to put dollars in the pockets of its creators. The result of its use is to warp the minds and excite the passions of those who fall into its trap.. It brings billions to its creators. It leads to heartache and pain and regret for those who indulge in it.. It is found in magazines that can bought at most newsstands, in theatres showing R- and X-rated movies, and on our television screens in our homes.”

The prophet Alma advised his son to cross himself in all these things. In other words, we need to be self-controlled so that we do not fall into moral transgression. The youth must take in this advice so as not to commit sexual sin. Sexual purity is advised. Besides, sexual promiscuity could lead to sexually transmitted diseases with dire consequences for those involved in it.

In conclusion, parents should emulate the example of the prophet Alma by offering guidance to their children to prevent them from committing sexual sins which are damnable in the sight of God. Children should receive training in gospel truths so that they grow up to become responsible adults. The young ones are advised to listen to their parents, adhere to advice that will help them in their journey to a fruitful life that edifies.

Yours in inspiration,
Abundant Robert.