Problem with Purity/Pride

[lcalise]

So, I am a 21-year-old college student at a very very secular school. Right now, I’m struggling with an issue with my ability to put my faith into practice. It seems like most people look at me as a sort of queer spectacle and a model of “Christian morality”. Yes, I did bring my fiance back to the Church, I still have my “V-Card” and try to live a Christian life…

…but while being put on a pedestal is all very empowering, I know I don’t belong there. Even though my lifestyle (sadly) is rare in today’s secular society, I know I have many shortcomings, even falling into sins of impurity. I know that there are far greater examples for people to follow, like the saints, but I feel that if I’m not out there trying to get the Christian argument for purity out, the saints are just as good as their stone images. My dillema, of course, is that I feel like a hypocrite- taking pride in something I really haven’t even accomplished.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom as to how I can reconcile this dillema?

 

[RockAndHoops]

Whew, I know how you feel. My friends think I’m the model of purity, but there are still those things that I struggle with that make me wince when they say that. I wish I could live up to it, but I don’t, and there is a fear sometimes that somebody is going to climb the pedestal and realize I don’t belong there.

That being said, I’ve had good advice from my confessors. Pride can easily hold us back from progress in our spiritual lives; you are fighting a good fight, and just because you might lose sometimes doesn’t mean you are a hypocrite. I feel the same way when I fall, but when I let myself focus on that I just fall even more. Remember, the hypocrite goes ahead and commits impurities and doesn’t put up a fight; you obviously are doing your part, so do not worry too much.

Also, every time you live you life according to God’s will you have the potential to reach others. Just because we struggle doesn’t mean we justify our actions when we fall. You obviously recognize your weaknesses and are working on them, so keep at it. It’s always easy for people to criticize those who struggle, but it’s hard for them to be part of the solution.

Keep striving for purity and don’t let pride get in your way.

 

[YinYangMom]

I don’t get the 'taking pride in something I haven’t accomplished part"…

You have your V-card.
You **are **honoring it.
Even though you struggle with sins of impurity you haven’t given up and abandoned your committment.
When you do struggle, you pray, you confess, you try again…

You have every reason to be proud of yourself for keeping your sight on the big picture, on God.

Purity, chastity, humility, charity…these aren’t goals in and of themselves, they are characteristics we strive for and work toward maintaining a certain level. Even after you marry you will continue to work to maintain a chaste life with your spouse.

Recognize that when your friends praise you for being so good, they’re really praising your efforts…not you. And for that, just say, “Thank you, it is a struggle at times so I really appreciate your support. So does my fiance. This gift I’m holding for him is valuable to both of us.”

 

[Michael_s_Sword]

lcalise:

My dillema, of course, is that I feel like a hypocrite- taking pride in something I really haven’t even accomplished.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom as to how I can reconcile this dillema?

Give praise to the one who has put this gift of strong character in you. The Lord decided you were to have this gift. Thank him for it. Take pleasure in it and of course continue to share it.