Some people say that in today's society it is unreasonable to adhere to a Christian standard of sexual morality. But the earnest Christian is convinced that this standard is as relevant now as it was two thousand years ago.

The reason for this conviction is simple, yet profound: obedience to the moral law enables one to grow spiritually.

Spiritual growth is precious. Without it we cannot follow Christ Jesus' example; and without it we cannot heal or progress in understanding Christian Science. Through spiritual growth we come to know God better, and ourselves as His spiritual image and likeness. We come into a fuller demonstration of the kingdom of heaven within us here and now, as Jesus taught. And we experience more of the fulfillment of the Father's will in our lives.

Obedience to the moral law could do little or nothing to advance our spiritual growth if this law were of merely human origin. But the Bible reveals God as the source of true morality, and the teachings of Christian Science elucidate this fact.

God is divine Principle, the only true lawgiver; and His divine law maintains man as His spiritual image and likeness, forever free from illusory, enslaving materialism. The moral law is the result of inspired glimpses into the nature of this ever-operative divine law. True morality is not the result of human legislation but of divine revelation.

Obedience to the moral law supports our efforts to discover and express our real spiritual selfhood—to reflect the nature of God. Our spiritual individuality includes purity, which is the expression of absolute Spirit; love, which reflects unlimited divine Love; and proper self-government, which is the outcome of unerring divine Principle. Our expression of these qualities brings us into accord with the divine nature and impels our spiritual growth and progress.

Disregard for the moral law, on the other hand, fosters sensuality, selfishness, and irresponsibility. Conceding to these erroneous attitudes, we identify ourselves and others as mortals and focus our thinking on matter and on material sensations. Thus we are caught up in materiality and are blind to spirituality. We forfeit spiritual growth.

Adhering to the moral law does not mean denying ourselves anything really good. Rather it means sacrificing erroneous attitudes and the actions that accompany them. Striving to be free from the enslavement of material-mindedness and to be true to our spiritual selfhood as God's likeness, we are increasingly free to respond to His government and to grow spiritually.

Purity is essential to spiritual growth. Jesus told his followers, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." ^{Matt. 5:8.} Confining sexual relations to marriage is not enough to guarantee this purity; even marriage partners need to outgrow sensuality. Ideally, though, marriage represents both individuals' enduring love and selfless devotion to each other's happiness—and these are a protection to the couple against sensuality. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "Marriage should improve the human species, becoming a barrier against vice, a protection to woman, strength to man, and a centre for the affections." ^{Science and Health, p. 60.}

Sexual intercourse outside of marriage opposes the Christian standard of sexual morality. It is not possible to disregard this standard and still express purity. Sexual immorality is unsupported by divine Principle, and so it is lawless and runs counter to spiritual growth.

Often one can accept the moral prohibition of adultery on the grounds that adultery violates the marriage contract and can be devastating to a spouse. But one may not so readily understand why two unmarried, consenting adults should not have sexual relations. However, refraining from premarital sex requires of us the same qualities as refraining from adultery: self-control, unselfishness, temperance. These moral virtues, which promote spiritual growth by subduing animality, are just as important to those who are single as to those who are married.

A life held wholly within the restraints of the moral law can be very rewarding, rich in spiritual growth and unfoldment—as shown by Christ Jesus' example. For instance, the Bible tells us that on one occasion Jesus was tempted by devilish suggestions to use spiritual power in subtly immoral ways. To have succumbed would have violated the First Commandment to worship one God. Jesus knew this, and his spirituality—his godliness—compelled him to resist the temptations. Then, the Bible tells us, "angels came and ministered unto him." ^{Matt. 4:11.} This experience of the Master's can be indicative to us of the spiritual growth and blessings that flow from conformity to the moral law.

In Science and Health, the Christ, which Jesus so fully demonstrated, is defined as "the divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error." ^{Science and Health, p. 583.} The role of the Christ is to stir human consciousness to yield to the government of divine Mind. When we feel impelled to obey moral precepts and to resist the suggestions of the carnal mind, we are experiencing the Christ, or divine influence, in our consciousness. As we yield to this influence we can defeat erroneous suggestions, no matter how tantalizing they may seem. Then we, too, are receptive to God's angel messages.

At one time or another we may be tempted to believe that matter is a pleasure-giver. But this false belief has no footing in reality; it is illusory, and like all illusions, it is susceptible to change or dissolution at any moment. Likewise, the seeming joy and satisfaction that accompany this false belief are insecure, short-lived. True joy and satisfaction come from Soul, God, and are forever expressed in spiritual man. Through conformity to the moral law we grow into a more consistent understanding of this spiritual fact. Consequently we experience a more real and enduring sense of joy and satisfaction.

Relationships true to the moral law—far from being drab and colorless—are very fulfilling. We are not deprived of strong affection or of legitimate means of expressing it. In fact, our relationships are more likely to be imbued with a growing sense of true love, which reflects the nature of God as both Love and Principle. Then we know not only the joy of affection but the peace and freedom that derive from self-control and discipline. The Bible assures us, "Great peace have they which love thy law." ^{Ps. 119:165.}

The Christian standard of sexual morality is not outdated. Rooted in divine revelation, it is as relevant to this age as it was to earlier ones. And as we cherish spiritual growth and the blessings it brings, we see the necessity for adhering to this moral standard.