Examining the Word: Body Modification, Testimony, and the Spirit

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the world throws up a question—a cultural trend, a social norm, a piece of art—and it makes us pause. It makes us wonder, "Where does the Spirit guide us on this? What does the Word *really* say?"

Lately, we've been seeing discussions pop up, both online and in our own lives, regarding body modification—piercings, tattoos, and other forms of altering the physical self. It’s a topic that can feel deeply personal, and when we’re trying to keep our testimonies pure and our focus fixed on the Savior, it’s natural to feel a little adrift.

I was recently looking at a resource that tackled exactly this: what the Bible says about body piercings. And as always, when we approach these things, the instinct must be to go straight to the source—to the scriptures and the established principles of the restored gospel, not just the loudest voices in the culture.

Anchoring in Scripture, Not Subculture

The video we reviewed did a wonderful job of setting the record straight: dogmatism is dangerous. If we declare *all* body modification sinful, we risk making it a litmus test for our worthiness, which is never the case. Our worthiness comes through Christ, not through our adornments.

However, the principle that *does* resonate deeply with us as disciples is the importance of motive. The Spirit guides us toward what is true, and the scriptures repeatedly guide us to examine the *why* behind our actions. It’s not the jewelry itself, but the heart behind the choice.

The Disciple's Lens: Asking the Right Questions

When we are preparing for missionary discussions, or when we are simply trying to live as disciples in our own communities, we are taught to be thoughtful, to be discerning, and to be ready to answer difficult questions with grace. This topic provided a perfect framework for that.

The video highlighted several key areas for introspection that every disciple—whether preparing to serve a mission, or just trying to be a better parent or friend—should consider:

• Motivation: Why am I doing this? Is it for identity, for aesthetics, or is it rooted in a deeper conviction of the gospel? (Proverbs 16:2 is a powerful reminder here!)
• Identity: Where do I find my true identity? As Latter-day Saints, we know our identity is in Christ, not in a subculture we join.
• Focus: Are we stressing outward appearance over inward substance? The Savior taught us to focus on the heart.
• Witness: Will this choice hinder my ability to share the gospel, or will it be a distraction?

These questions aren't meant to condemn; they are meant to invite us into deeper covenant keeping. They are invitations to *be Christlike*.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Power of "Why"

If you take one thing away from this discussion, let it be this: When faced with a belief or a practice that seems contrary to gospel principles, do not react with immediate judgment. Instead, pause, and ask, "What is the *motive*?" This skill—asking about the motive—is invaluable in missionary discussions. It shifts the conversation from superficial disagreement to spiritual principle.

As we continue to build our lives as rogue disciples, remembering that "every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time," we must always be ready to apply these principles.

What's Next in Our Journey?

If you found this discussion helpful, I encourage you to apply these principles to your own life. For those who want to deepen their understanding of these principles through scripture, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod authors. Their insights are always grounded in eternal truth.

And for those who are ready to practice this discernment with me, I invite you to join our next Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. We’ll be diving into the Book of Mormon next week, and I know we’ll find some powerful parallels to these modern questions!

If you’re just starting out, or if you’re wrestling with a specific question of doctrine, don't hesitate to bring it to Davee. He’s ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, using his AI Investigator role to help you prepare your answers!

Keep the Spirit close, brothers and sisters. We are building a movement of disciples who are both knowledgeable and humble.