This is the second of a three-part series on the identity and manifestations of the spirit of the world. It is imperative that we understand this so that we can strive to do what St. Paul advises us in Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”
CONCUPISCENCE OF THE FLESH
Deep down we all know that this is an expression of the spirit of the world. I once went on a vacation abroad and decided to head to a nearby beach which was reputed to be enjoyable. I arrived at a time when the population was not dense and settled down to read a book which I was enjoying intensely. When I looked up to take a break and enjoy the waves, I observed that there was a naked couple running around on the beach. I blinked in disbelief and tried to look away, as I found myself embarrassed for them. They did not seem to mind, however. As I looked to my right, I saw another naked couple so I looked to my left but alas, I saw several more couples. Indeed, the population had grown and there were more naked people on the beach. When I inquired as to why, they explained that I was at a nudist beach. I can’t recall how long my mouth was ajar but that was one unforgettable experience.
Now, my question is this – how on earth did we get to a point where a nudist beach is the order of the day? Some advocates of this remind me that Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden. They were indeed, but they forget to consider what happened after they disobeyed God in Genesis 3:7 “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.” So, why did they not just run around like those at the nudist beach? I mean, they could because they were even actually married. An explanation for this is that God clothed them to prevent the inordinate use of the sexual gift, and that the gift is disordered when it is sought for itself and departs from the twin purpose of procreation and union.
This tinder of the flesh is one which is as old as time and one which is the most dangerous of all evil thoughts. We see it on our streets under the guise of clothing considered fashionable or trendy. We let the spirit of the world run wild not only outside places of worship, but also now within its four walls and unfortunately by those who pride themselves as not associating with the spirit of the world. Who are we deceiving when the tongue speaks of chastity but the whole body reveals impurity? We needed to determine whether we speak as we dress or dress as we speak.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains in paragraph 2521 that “Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity.” We should acquire the virtue of chastity in opposition to this spirit of the world. This not only entails that one becomes an apprenticeship of self-mastery but also avoids impure speech..
Ndidi Edeoghon is a highly exposed and seasoned international lawyer. She holds a degree in Law and French from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a Masters (LL.M) in International Dispute Resolution from the University of London.
She is passionate about the youths, and her passion led her to form Ambassadors Initiative For Youth Development and Conflict Resolution, a non-governmental organisation which promotes the ideals of the UN in schools and helps groom future international leaders (www.una-nig.org). She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, lectures part time at the University of London, and is currently pursuing a PhD in International
Law.
