This post is in response to a recent news report about "momon nudists."
Sure, I love being naked. It does feel good and can facilitate a deeper appreciation for one's body. It can likewise enhance a sense of becoming one with the creation. But, my principal purpose in coming here to Earth is not to be at one with the creation. I'm here in a battle to be At-one again with the Creator.
One of the men advocating this practice of nudism is a Temple patron. In doing so, he unwisely justifies the unnecessary removal of the Garment.
Visualize a man going out to war naked, when he has a full coat of armor at his disposal. Maybe he makes this choice because it helps him to feel good about himself and his body. Maybe he does it simply because he likes the feel of the wind beneath his "wings."
Is engaging in this type of risky behavior the smartest way to develop a sense of love and confidence in one's body? Is it a safe way to make the body feel good or more at one with nature?
We may not currently be subjected to the dangers of a physical war. However, we are all engaged in the ongoing spiritual war for our eternal souls. Satan and his legions seek to destroy us at all times, in all places... except for the Temple, the only place they cannot enter.
A man who has the privilege of wearing the Holy Garment and chooses to stroll through the woods in the buff is like the man who goes to war without his sword and breastplate. He is engaging in foolish, unnecessary, and risky behavior.
I do not speak for the Church, but I cannot think of any place in scripture where the Lord condones such neglect for one's welfare. It is therefore my opinion, that nudism is contrary to the will of God.
Yes, God created Adam and Eve naked in the Garden. He also clothed them with garments when they were expelled from Eden and that is where we are today.
When I choose to engage in a dangerous activity, I put on all the safety gear available to me. It's a precautionary measure to best ensure that I do not get hurt. The Holy Garment is God's gift of armor to us in the dangerous spiritual battlefield of life on Earth. Therefore, when the day comes that I once again have the privilege of wearing it, I will do so at all possible times.
Any member of the Church, especially a leader, who advocates the unnecessary removal of the Garment, is a wolf who has taken off his sheep's clothing. Wolves are everywhere in the Church today, so be careful. Heavenly Father allows them to be among us for His own wise purposes. Learn to decipher who they are and do not follow them. Trust in the Lord and the Spirit. The only arm of flesh we are guaranteed will never lead us astray is the Prophet. Read this article and take heed.
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/articles/ezra-taft-benson/be-not-deceived/
For those who have not yet been vested with the armor of the Holy Garment, I have this to say: Engaging in any activity that may possibly delay receiving it would be a foolish choice. We are at war. Make any sacrifice necessary to be worthy of receiving that armor because if we do not have it, we will lose the battle for our souls.
One of the men advocating this practice of nudism is a Temple patron. In doing so, he unwisely justifies the unnecessary removal of the Garment.
Visualize a man going out to war naked, when he has a full coat of armor at his disposal. Maybe he makes this choice because it helps him to feel good about himself and his body. Maybe he does it simply because he likes the feel of the wind beneath his "wings."
Is engaging in this type of risky behavior the smartest way to develop a sense of love and confidence in one's body? Is it a safe way to make the body feel good or more at one with nature?
We may not currently be subjected to the dangers of a physical war. However, we are all engaged in the ongoing spiritual war for our eternal souls. Satan and his legions seek to destroy us at all times, in all places... except for the Temple, the only place they cannot enter.
A man who has the privilege of wearing the Holy Garment and chooses to stroll through the woods in the buff is like the man who goes to war without his sword and breastplate. He is engaging in foolish, unnecessary, and risky behavior.
I do not speak for the Church, but I cannot think of any place in scripture where the Lord condones such neglect for one's welfare. It is therefore my opinion, that nudism is contrary to the will of God.
Yes, God created Adam and Eve naked in the Garden. He also clothed them with garments when they were expelled from Eden and that is where we are today.
When I choose to engage in a dangerous activity, I put on all the safety gear available to me. It's a precautionary measure to best ensure that I do not get hurt. The Holy Garment is God's gift of armor to us in the dangerous spiritual battlefield of life on Earth. Therefore, when the day comes that I once again have the privilege of wearing it, I will do so at all possible times.
Any member of the Church, especially a leader, who advocates the unnecessary removal of the Garment, is a wolf who has taken off his sheep's clothing. Wolves are everywhere in the Church today, so be careful. Heavenly Father allows them to be among us for His own wise purposes. Learn to decipher who they are and do not follow them. Trust in the Lord and the Spirit. The only arm of flesh we are guaranteed will never lead us astray is the Prophet. Read this article and take heed.
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/articles/ezra-taft-benson/be-not-deceived/
For those who have not yet been vested with the armor of the Holy Garment, I have this to say: Engaging in any activity that may possibly delay receiving it would be a foolish choice. We are at war. Make any sacrifice necessary to be worthy of receiving that armor because if we do not have it, we will lose the battle for our souls.
"The Temple Garment" -
By Elder Carlos E. Asay (1926–1999)