Perhaps it seems old fashioned, the idea of being modest in our dress. I’m not talking about being covered up from neck to wrist to toes, but about being careful in how we adorn our bodies.
In the booklet For the Strength of Youth, put out by leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormon Church), teens are encouraged to ask themselves, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” Even beyond this we are all reminded of what our bodies are: temples for our spirits.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Have you ever thought of your body in that respect, as a temple? Prophets throughout all time have counseled the children of God to maintain modest standards in dress. We are taught not to alter our clothes in any way for any occasion.
“Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient” (“For the Strength of Youth,” p. 15).
When our manner of dress becomes sloppy, we tend to act sloppy. When it’s too tight, too short, too low or too high our actions will follow suit. Sometimes we want to be someone besides our self, to try being someone new. We might see the attention other guys and girls receive from those who dress immodestly, and desire to have that same attention. Beware of where this path will lead. Those who would be drawn to you for the look of your body have little respect for the beautiful person inside.
Modesty in dress goes beyond your clothes.
“All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners… Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If girls or women desire to have their ears pierced, they are encouraged to wear only one pair of modest earrings” (“For the Strength of Youth,” p. 16).
Though not mentioned men should refrain from piercings altogether.
When we place too much emphasis on how we look and dress, or are more concerned with keeping in the most current fashions, our spiritual side – that side that gives us the most happiness in this life – becomes smothered. When we care more about what’s going on our outside, the strength of our spirit begins to dull.
Your body is sacred. It was made by a loving Heavenly Father. It is a gift, and we need to treat it as such. Through a modest appearance we can show respect for the Lord and for ourselves. We can show our Lord that we truly do know just how precious our bodies are. Above all, we can show that we are disciples of Jesus Christ.
** For guidelines on modest dress please visit Staying Modest.
