Modesty~Adorning our personal temples

Today's post is going to be unlike any that's ever been on this blog before-however, this is something that has been on my mind, and I would like to offer my thoughts on the subject, whatever those thoughts are worth.

We had a lesson today in Relief Society which was on self-mastery, and the teacher wanted a section of it to cover modesty, but the discussion that stemmed from this topic ended up dominating the entire hour. There was definitely tension in the air as the topic was addressed and comments were made. Comments like: what they or others wear is their choice, that many were raised differently, that each girl can decide what she wants to wear and thinks is modest, that a bikini isn't immodest, that immodest girls aren't walking pornography, and we have no right to comment on what anyone wears. As I sat there and watched this dear teacher up at the front struggle to address the comments while still establishing the standard, I thought about what was being said. As I did, I thought of a few things I'd like to share:

• The Church has a VERY clear standard on modesty- The For Strength of Youth pamphlet defines modesty. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, the bar has been set. This is the standard!

"Immodest clothing is any clothing that is tight, sheer, or revealing in any other manner. Young women should avoid short shorts and short skirts, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and clothing that does not cover the shoulders or is low-cut in the front or the back. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. Young men and young women should be neat and clean and avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle, and behavior. They should choose appropriately modest apparel when participating in sports."

You covenanted on your baptism day to follow Christ and His prophets. The prophets have defined this as the standard. When we dress modestly we are keeping our covenants. It helps me to think of modesty like this. 

• We are not being judgmental just because we hoist a standard and call for all to rally around it- Why is it that when someone stands up for a belief or takes a stand of some kind that it is considered wrong, narrow-minded, or ignorant? A call to come closer to Christ is not a call of judgment, it is a call for all to heed the words of our Savior and come be perfected in Him.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in his talk entitled 'To Young Women' he says "For you to fully claim Heavenly Father’s blessings and protection, we ask you to stay true to the standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ and not slavishly follow the whims of fads and fashions. The Church will never deny your moral agency regarding what you should wear and exactly how you should look. But the Church will always declare standards and will always teach principles. As Sister Susan Tanner taught this morning, one of those principles is modesty. In the gospel of Jesus Christ, modesty in appearance is always in fashion. Our standards are not socially negotiable."

• We have an obligation to the men on whom we have an influence over- Elder Haight put it best when he said "I challenge the young women of the Church who associate with and date our young priesthood bearers to become real guardians of their morality. You can. You must. Many of you are. Please do not underestimate your role. I am aware that the total responsibility is not yours. However, on a date you can set the proper atmosphere to encourage your companion to honor the commandments of God. In fact, you have the opportunity to emphasize the Mormon ideals of womanhood in all their honor and glory. I know the Lord expects it to be so.
  
  
  "You young ladies have a profound influence on young, masculine behavior. Young men wear clothes they think you like. Their hair will be cut to please you. You can control how fast they drive their cars if you want. They will dress as grubby as you like. You need not dress in the extreme fashions of the world. Are you aware that fashions and styles are promoted because someone has a product to sell? The rightness or appropriateness or effect on a youthful society does not matter as long as it sells. But the day will come when the world will follow the ways of the Church. Its influence will be as though flowing from the stars to affect the actions of men. Your influence with young men is important. You encourage Church standards and dress and conduct."
  
  
   Modesty is a blessing, and I've been so grateful to be raised to know the blessings and happiness that comes from keeping this commandment.
  
  Here is a youtube video that talks of modesty:
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJVHRJbgLz8