As a new teen convert, you will want to pay close attention to the teachings found in For the Strength of Youth. This pamphlet, written for teenagers, helps LDS youth learn to live the life of a Latter-day Saint.
One of the teachings that may be new to you as a convert are those pertaining to showing respect for your body, which was a gift from your Heavenly Father.
Body piercing is discouraged except for medical reasons. Girls and women may, if they choose, wear one pair of modest earrings. Boys and men may not wear any. Piercing other parts of the body is discouraged. Tattooing is also not accepted.
President Hinckley, the previous prophet of the church, said,
“Did you ever think that your body is holy? You are a child of God. Your body is His creation. Would you disfigure that creation with portrayals of people, animals, and words painted into your skin?
“I promise you that the time will come, if you have tattoos, that you will regret your actions. They cannot be washed off. They are permanent. Only by an expensive and painful process can they be removed. If you are tattooed, then probably for the remainder of your life you will carry it with you. I believe the time will come when it will be an embarrassment to you. Avoid it. We, as your Brethren who love you, plead with you not to become so disrespectful of the body which the Lord has given you.
“May I mention earrings and rings placed in other parts of the body. These are not manly. They are not attractive. You young men look better without them, and I believe you will feel better without them. As for the young women, you do not need to drape rings up and down your ears. One modest pair of earrings is sufficient.” Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, Jan 2001, 2
Heavenly Father gave us our bodies as an extraordinary gift. They house our spirits and allow us to do so many wonderful things. It’s important that we treat His gift with dignity and respect, taking care to leave it in good condition. The body He gave us is perfect just as it is. It doesn’t need further decoration—we certainly don’t want to leave the impression it wasn’t a good enough gift. Paul said, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19–20).
If you already have tattoos, consider having them removed when you are older and can afford it. You will likely find you outgrow the pleasure for one and may find it embarrassing. They can impact your ability to get a job or find a spouse. Until then, if it can stay hidden away, you may want to do that whenever possible and don’t brag about it or show it off, lest you influence another to follow in your footsteps.
Treat your body as a temple, already perfect just as it was created, and worthy of respect.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
