Week Thirty-Seven. Reverence. Steps We Can Take.

What are some ways to be pure, guard your heart and live with reverence? We can properly order our physical appetites to our vocation.

We can dress modestly. There is no reason to let it all hang out, and when we do, we send the wrong message when we avoid modesty. If our objective is to attract others, we are appealing to their lustful nature, and not to what our heart truly needs and desires. We can dress modestly and still look attractive. We want to attract others for the right reasons.

We can practice self-denial. We are not animals, and our human sexuality is more than brute animal instinct. We do not have to give in to every urge that passes through our body. We can have mind over matter and function on a higher plane. Find something higher than the flesh to love. Give yourself a project, or exercise when you are bored. Stay away from red flag situations. If you know that a certain location, certain scenario, or certain friendships bring out the worst behavior in you or presents the greatest temptations that you have difficulty avoiding, then give those up.

We can choose our entertainment carefully and thoughtfully. It’s difficult in today’s world to find clean entertainment. Books, movies, television, theater, any social scene really – they all seem to be infected with material that pushes us down the path of sinful behavior. The entertainment industry gives people what they want and what brings the most revenue. Let your money and time follow your values.

I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven.

Luke 7:47

Lord, thank you for showing what steps I can take to overcome the lustful nature of the world and live my vocation with reverence.