Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

As parents, we want what is best for our children. We start out with the best of intentions: the safest car seat, the latest crib, and the most educational toys. We say to ourselves that they are going to have only the most natural foods with no sugar or artificial ingredients. Then grandparents step in with candy and other treats. The healthy path we chose for our babies has been compromised. Or so we think.

Although junk food is unhealthy, it does not contaminate our souls like it does our bodies. There are far more significant things in the world that are detrimental to our son’s spiritual health: infidelity, violence, apathy, etc. The media undulates us with stories and images of things our boys are not ready to see. There are things happening in school and in our sons’ environments that strip the innocence away from their eyes.  It is our duty to help our sons maintain emotional and spiritual purity.

That you may be blameless, and sincere children of God, without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15

Protecting our sons’ purity is an essential step in keeping them safe. If they are impure of heart and mind, they cannot have a sincere relationship with God. Physical impurity will impede the relationships they have with others. St. Paul spoke to the people of Corinth about keeping clean for God: “For you are bought with a great price. Glorify and bear God in your body” 1 Corinthians 6:20. We should teach and pray for our sons to glorify God with their every action.