Chastity is a notion that has been practised for centuries, and it involves abstaining from sexual activity or limiting it to a certain degree. Although it may seem outdated or old-fashioned but in recent times, chastity has become a way of life for many individuals seeking to improve their spiritual, emotional, and physical health. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of practising chastity and how you can start incorporating it into your daily routine.
What Does Chastity Mean?
Chastity is an act of self-restraint, often related to sexual activity, that requires discipline and self-control. Other words used for Chastity include; abstinence, celibacy, and limiting sexual activity within a committed relationship. That is, Chastity is a state of being sexually pure, with a focus on abstinence before marriage or remaining faithful within marriage.
Often, people associate chastity with religious or moral beliefs and this is why those who practice it are condemned in our society, but it goes beyond that. Chastity can also be practised for personal reasons, such as improving one’s mental health, strengthening relationships, and increasing self-discipline.
In other words, Chastity in its simplest form refers to abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage. But it’s much more than that – chastity goes beyond just physical actions, but also includes the purity of thoughts, words, and actions related to sexuality.
The Importance of Chastity
For those who follow a faith tradition, chastity can have even greater significance. Many religions teach that sexual activity should be reserved for marriage and that it’s a sacred act to be shared between two committed partners. But even if you don’t follow a particular faith, there are many good reasons to consider embracing chastity.
However, For believers, chastity is an important aspect of our faith, as it reflects our desire to honour God and follow his commands. In the Bible, chastity is often referred to as sexual purity and is seen as a necessary component of a holy life.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 states — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honour, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”[NIV]
Hence, Chastity is important for the following reasons;
- It helps believers to maintain their moral integrity and self-respect,
- It also promotes healthy relationships and a strong sense of self-worth,
- It helps in exercising self-control and to put out desires and needs aside for a greater purpose,
- It helps in contributing your desires, impulses, motivations, etc
- It helps build intimacy, trust, respect and emotional connection with someone you love when you eventually get married,
- It births a sense of responsibility and accountability,
- It helps in showing reverence for your body and honours God’s command of abstinence,
- It helps you avoid the negative consequences that come with sexual immorality e.g. Unwanted pregnancies, STDs, hurt, etc.
5 Benefits of Remaining Chaste For A Believer.
Spiritual Growth
Chastity can lead to spiritual growth by helping believers develop a closer relationship with God. It allows them to focus on their faith and develop a stronger sense of purpose and meaning in life. For instance, when you remain chaste, you don’t have to get bothered about what you’re doing hindering your connection with God, etc.
Emotional Stability
It’s amazing how people’s emotions move up and down. However, Chastity helps you maintain stable emotions instead of struggling with your emotions as a result of unhealthy sexual relationships. In turn, it boosts your self-confidence and gives you a healthy self-image.
Promote Mental Health
Do you know that shame or guilt often accompanies unhealthy sexual relationships? However, Chastity can save you from those as well as from stress, anxiety and depression.
In other words, you find peace of mind from remaining chaste.
Heighten Self-Discipline
Chastity requires self-discipline and self-control, which can spread into other areas of life. By learning to control sexual impulses, individuals can develop stronger determination and discipline, which can be applied to other areas such as work, diet, and exercise.
For instance, when you’re able to refrain from sexual activities, you can get motivated to improve in other areas.
Improved Physical Health
Chastity can also improve physical health by reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Sexual activity can also be physically demanding and lead to fatigue, which can be reduced by practising self-restraint.
How to Practice Chastity
Remaining chaste can be a challenge in today’s society, where sexual promiscuity is often celebrated and even encouraged. However, it doesn’t mean, it’s unachievable. Below are the steps to follow;
Set Boundaries
We often find ourselves lagging when it comes to boundaries, but it’s important to set boundaries and communicate them clearly to yourself or your partner.
For instance, it’s important to establish rules for avoiding sexual triggers, set time limits, words limit, etc.
Get Busy
It’s easier to fall prey when your world only revolves around one another. When practising Chastity, it’s important to focus on other things or activities that bring you Joy.
Don’t be lurking around your partner every time.
Seek Support
This is where accountability comes in because practising chastity is a daunting lifestyle. However, you need to be accountable to a friend, mentor, family member, etc that encourages you and helps you to stay on track in the face of temptation.
Tarry For Strength
You can’t do it on your own. Remember Isaiah 40:30-31 says — “Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”[NLT]
So praying for strength can aid you in staying focused and committed on your Chastity Journey.
Even the scripture emphasized the importance of sexual purity and the benefits it provides for believers. The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 — “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”[NIV]
CONCLUSION
Chastity might sound outdated and old-fashioned, but it isn’t. It’s a lifestyle that helps when it comes to improving your physical, mental and emotional health, which can also be extended to other areas of your life. This can be achieved by praying, setting boundaries, being accountable to someone and getting busy.