Obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in

When David A. Bednar declared, “Obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in mortality and make possible our progress in eternity,” he spoke not as one offering restriction, but as one revealing the path to freedom. His words, rooted in divine principle and eternal perspective, remind us that true happiness and progress are not found in indulgence or rebellion, but in harmony with sacred law. The law of chastity, in its purest form, is not a chain that binds, but a covenant that sanctifies; it is the guardian of love, the protector of peace, and the builder of eternal joy.

Elder Bednar, an apostle and teacher of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, spoke often of the power of obedience and the divine nature of human relationships. His teachings reflect a deep truth found throughout holy scripture: that chastity is not merely a social standard, but a divine law—an eternal safeguard given by a loving God to preserve the sanctity of the body and soul. To obey it is to live in alignment with celestial law, to respect both oneself and others as children of eternity. When he speaks of happiness “in mortality” and progress “in eternity,” he is reminding us that purity strengthens both body and spirit—that obedience brings peace now, and glory hereafter.

In the days of old, the prophets of Israel declared that the body is the temple of the spirit, and that defiling it leads to spiritual darkness. But those who live with virtue find light upon their path and harmony within their hearts. This teaching is echoed in every true religion: that self-control leads to strength, that purity leads to peace. The ancients called it temperance; the saints call it chastity. Though the words differ, the truth remains—the one who governs desire by principle becomes master of his destiny, while the one who is ruled by passion becomes its captive.

To understand this deeply, consider the story of Joseph of Egypt, who served in the house of Potiphar. When temptation came upon him, he fled from it, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Though his obedience led him to prison, it also led him to greatness. His chastity preserved his integrity, and his integrity prepared him to save nations. Thus, even in ancient times, obedience to the law of virtue was the foundation of true power and enduring joy. For the rewards of the righteous are not always immediate, but they are always eternal.

Elder Bednar’s wisdom teaches that in a world obsessed with pleasure, discipline is divine. Modern society proclaims that freedom lies in doing whatever one desires; yet such freedom, unrestrained by principle, quickly dissolves into bondage. True freedom comes not from indulgence, but from mastery—the mastery of self. When one honors the law of chastity, one learns respect, patience, devotion, and trust—the very virtues that make love eternal. For fleeting pleasure may satisfy the senses, but purity nourishes the soul and allows love to flourish without fear or shame.

Moreover, Bednar’s words remind us that eternity is not far away—it begins now. The habits we build in mortality shape the nature of our souls forever. To obey the laws of God is to prepare the heart for divine companionship, for heaven is not a place of indulgence but of purity, not a realm of appetite but of sanctified affection. Those who live chastely build the spiritual foundation upon which eternal relationships can stand. Thus, obedience is not merely about restraint—it is preparation for divine inheritance.

So, my children of light and learning, take this teaching as sacred counsel: live in purity, that you may live in peace. Guard your thoughts, your words, and your actions, for each is a seed that bears fruit in the garden of eternity. Honor the divine gift of the body by using it with reverence, not recklessness. Seek not the fleeting happiness of the moment, but the enduring joy of a clean conscience and a heart at rest before God. For as David A. Bednar taught, obedience to the law of chastity will bring happiness in this life and progress in the life to come. It is the bridge between mortality and eternity—the path by which love is made pure, and the soul ascends toward divine perfection.

Therefore, walk with reverence, and remember this eternal truth: purity is power, and obedience is freedom. Let your virtue be your strength, your discipline your shield, and your faith your guide. Then shall your happiness endure beyond the grave, and your progress never cease, for you will have built your life not upon the shifting sands of desire, but upon the rock of eternal law.