Those "Immo-" Words

You know, nothing makes Sunday School better than having a teacher who uses the words immortality and immorality interchangeably and doesn't notice. Truly, malapropisms make life more meaningful and keep your brain on its toes, however that works. Anywhey, on to a quick recapitulation of the week:
This week was good;

We went to the hood.

I almost got shot

By a guy smoking pot.

But we didn't get killed,

and we had our mouths filled.

The end.

Actually, the only the last two lines of that poem were true (And by the way, "The end" does not count as one of those lines). Actually, this week was wonderful. We went to the temple, and it was incredibly spiritual. We also had a musical fire side meeting on Sunday, which was very spiritual and very uplifting. I always enjoy having the opportunity to sing. I just want to say right now that this church is true (and complete). I know that the priesthood authority is on the Earth. I know that I was called by God to serve in the Washington Tacoma mission. I would rather be no where else in the world right now than right here. I love my Savior. I know he wants me here for a reason.

However, I have somewhat of a weightier matter to address today. It is not a topic most people like to discuss, but I feel it is important. I would like to specifically address the youth (not the super young youth, but the young men and young women). This specification is meant to include anyone of the single status, and has application to everyone, regardless of age. However, I would like to first address the young women: Dear young women: Beware of the "immo" word. In this case, I am referring to immodesty. Now before anyone of you starts complaining and saying things like "Holy juniper, why does everyone keep harping on modesty?!?", I want you to take a moment to consider the power and influence you have over your peers, especially those of the male gender. You truly do not realize how much influence you have. Your immodesty is like a dagger that pierces the minds of those who regard you. Immodesty shows disrespect for yourself and for the gift God has given you. By being immodest, you are portraying yourself as an object of carnal indulgence and smothering your real spiritual beauty. Sorry if I sound harsh. I know you are not all immodest, nor are you always immodest, etc. However, please keep in mind that you have a powerful influence on the actions of the young men you affiliate with. Please try not to aid Satan in his attempt to pepper your peers with fiery and corrosive darts. Many of your peers are currently struggling with immoral thoughts. I'm sure they would appreciate it if you didn't drag their minds into the gutter by the way you dress.

Now, young men, you are not off the hook. You need to avoid the other "Immo" word: immorality. I heard a young women say when discussing the topic of marriage that she didn't expect to marry a virgin, and considered the idea unrealistic. Not because she didn't think it was important, but because she didn't think any such men existed, except in very minute iotas of a percentage of the population. Keep in mind that this was a Sister Missionary, not some worldly high school student (Don't ask me why they were talking about marriage. I wasn't part of the conversation. Now, I feel that she was exaggerating to some extent, but I hope that you were as utterly horrified by that comment as I was. Really? Is that the sort of impression we are giving to daughters of the covenant? This was her perspective of priesthood brethren. Brethren, live up to your priesthood. Be respectful of the women in your life. Get your minds out of the gutter. I understand that we all need to repent. If you need to repent, do it now. Don't let sins of the past keep you from progressing. If you have messed up big time, just repent. I was just surprised that she didn't even think it was weird, she considered it normal. Now, I must go, I am out of time. But repent. Help others to not make the same mistakes even if you already have. Talk to your bishops. I love you. Have a great week! Bye.

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Elder Benge