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Editor’s note: This week we are beginning a monthly column by Olivia Knier, a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Waunakee. Olivia is a senior at Waunakee High School and hopes to attend the University of Notre Dame next fall. She enjoys running, singing, writing for her high school newspaper, The Purple Sage, spending time with her family, and learning about her Catholic faith. Young readers are welcome to send their comments or suggestions for columns to Olivia at [email protected] |
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In their budding youth and possibly without their full knowledge, teens are forming their personalities, habits, ideals, and the very essence of who they are right now.
Thus, it is essential for them to form positive, pure habits now. Would their future husband or wife be able to meet their current date and look them in the eye? It’s a pertinent question to ask.
Purity’s closeness to the heart of its beholder makes it awkward or sometimes embarrassing to discuss. In this day and age, it needs to be talked about.
High moral standards
First off, it’s necessary that we are people with high moral standards, respecting our human dignity at its highest level.
If God meant for us to be animals, he wouldn’t have given us our intellect, our will, or our freedom.
While these our human properties are what allow us to sin, they can lead us to true fulfillment in Christ if controlled by a well-formed conscience.
Forming our conscience takes life-long prayer, but being aware of surroundings and dress are two key parts to living purity as well.
It’s a good rule of thumb never to be alone with someone of the opposite sex in situations that could be in any way misconstrued as romantic. After all, when we want to give ourselves entirely to God and the one person we will marry, why allow ourselves any possibility for slip-ups?
Being up-front about your good intentions while dating will demand respect from your date and help him or her to live purity better in the process.
Modest, attractive dress
Next, modest, attractive dress is key for purity. This is directed mostly towards the female population. Dressing to cover every inch of the body attracts the wrong kind of attention and sends the message of an unapproachable person.
Dressing attractively to make your face a focal point is exactly the message any teen wants to send: approachable, attractive, respectful, and confident.
Purity is a beautiful, and at times difficult, struggle to love God wholeheartedly, but it is well worth the effort.