FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH: “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). Your body is sacred. Respect it and do not defile it in any way. … The fashions of the world will change, but the Lord’s standards will not change. Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. Young women, if you desire to have your ears pierced, wear only one pair of earrings.” –from the Dress and Appearance section of the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. [source]
COMMENTARY: I can imagine the conversation at the dinner table during Jesus’ rebellious years. “Listen up young man, if you come home with one more piercing, or, Me forbid, a tattoo, I swear to Me I’ll crucify you. Don’t test me on this!” But as with all father/son relationships, the parent eventually just had to accept that the child will make his own choices. And Jesus must have prevailed, since he got to keep his piercings even after his resurrection. Way to stand up for yourself, Jesus! But what do I know? I’m just another apostate.
