DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Imagine that you are watching a play. An actor comes on stage dressed as a clown but starts playing the serious part of the lead. You might react by thinking that this is wrong or out of place—there must be some mistake in the costuming or casting.
Now think of how inappropriate it is to go out into the world dressed in clothes that do not represent who you really are in spirit. Our outward appearance and behavior give a message. What message are we sending? Does it reflect that we are children of God? It is important that we dress to demonstrate and indicate that we are mentally and spiritually ready to invite the Spirit to be with us always.
Consider why missionaries dress in a skirt and blouse or in a suit. How might someone respond if the missionary had messy hair and if he or she were dressed in blue jeans, flip-flops, and a T-shirt? That person might ask, “Is this a representative of God?” Why would that person want to engage in a serious conversation about the purpose of life or the Restoration of the gospel with such a missionary?
Of course we don’t need to dress like missionaries all of the time. There are certainly times when modest casual clothing is appropriate.
The point is this:
How we dress demonstrates where our heart and spirit really desire to be.
We act differently when we are dressed for the world’s attention.
We show love and reverence for ourselves and others by our dress.
We need to know that we are children of loving heavenly father
We need to dress and act the part!
Dressing modestly shows respect for our heavenly father and shows obedience.
Modest clothing allows the spirit of the person wearing it to radiate.
In 1 Corinthians 6 it tells us that Modesty is an attitude of humilityand decency in dress. If we are modest, we do not draw undue attention to ourselves. Instead, we seek to "glorify God in [our] body, and in [our] spirit"
The scriptures also talk about being clothed with righteousness, light, charity, and glory (see D&C 29:12, D&C 45:44, D&C 65:5, D&C 84:101, D&C 85:7, D&C 88:125, D&C 138:30, Moses 7:3). This says to me that what we are is much more important than what we wear.
1 Cor 6:19 reads: “What? know ye not that your body is thebtemple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your cown?“
Modesty is essential to being worthy of the SPIRIT
------To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.
The way we dress demonstrates our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If we truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ there is no reason not to dress modestly
The Church’s basic guidelines on what not to wear are contained in For the Strength of Youth:
“Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. …
Of course, modesty GOES BEYOND the exact length or style of a clothing item. A crude logo can make even a sweatshirt immodest. Modesty involves both the motives and attitude of the wearer. Those who flaunt their bodies or use them to get attention do not look modest, regardless of what they wear. A wholesome look and modest attitude reflect the following understanding:
Even within that definition, however, there is room for interpretation. Exactly where on the thigh do shorts become “short shorts”? How tight do pants have to be before they are “revealing”? And does “low-cut” mean anything other than turtlenecks?
They shouldn’t have to tell us How short is TOO short. It’s a choice. For the Strength of Youth teaches the correct principles and leaves us to govern ourselves. And that’s the way it should be. Heavenly Father has given us the freedom to choose, and we can’t grow or receive blessings from obedience if all the decisions have been made for us.
Servants of the Lord have always counseled us to dress modestly to show respect for our Heavenly Father and for ourselves. The way you dress sends messages about yourself to others and often influences the way you and others act. Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you. If you are tempted to dress as you shouldn’t, just remember the old rule: “If in doubt—don’t!”
If dress communicates to others, it also communicates to ourselves. By the way we dress, we are indicating what we think of ourselves.
If you are unsure about whether your dress or grooming is modest, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” Your honest answers to these questions may lead you to make important changes in your life.
The way we (especially the youth) dress is a key to shaping some of the MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS in our lives.
When it comes right down to it, that’s really what modesty is all about—improved relationships. Those who follow Church standards of dress and appearance will find that their relationships at home will be less stressful, and their relationships with friends—especially those of the opposite gender—will be more fun and appropriate.
It is important to note that when the Savior appeared after his resurrection, he was simply dressed. In 3 Ne. 11:8 it says: “They saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe.” Here was the Master of Creation! He could have worn anything he desired, but he chose a plain, white, robe.
I’d like to bear my testimony that:
I am a child of God.
He gave me the sacred gift of my body for a specific purpose—to do His work.
Dressing modestly helps me focus on God’s purpose for me, and it helps others treat me with respect.
I know that if we dress as though we are in the lord’s presence we will be blessed. We will have more confidence in ourselves and not have to worry if we’re inappropriate.
I know that if we truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ there is no reason not to dress modestly.
In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN! J
