"Repentance is a great blessing, but you should never make yourself sick just so you can try out the remedy," Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled young men during priesthood meeting Saturday evening.
"You need never repent of a sin you have not committed," said Elder Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve.Having a clean conscience improves self-esteem, improves relationships with others, and high standards can lead to more fun, he said.
Church leaders are well-aware of the challenges of today's society that is plagued with teenage moral misconduct, continued Elder Ballard, but "I emphasize that you do not need to be caught in the trap of being immoral - not one of you, ever."
Satan holds up quick-passing pleasures of the world to tempt youth away from the things that bring eternal joy. And some youth seem to think they can be immoral, but repent in time for a mission or temple marriage.
"This scenario is a gross deception. . . . Sin will always, always result in suffering."
On the other hand, those who remain pure can feel confident in the company of others. "You can sense how you will feel when you have the confidence and acceptance of the Savior," he said.
He emphasized principles of moral cleanliness:
First, understand the commandments, guidelines for happy living. Avoid the outside limits of morality.
Second, once you understand the standards, make "a firm decision to avoid compromising situations, and to stand firm for what is right. . . . Set a goal to be morally clean."
Third, he suggested, "you need not face temptation alone. Some who have gone before you have firm footing, having lived the moral standard and experienced the blessings of doing so."
Fourth, choose friends with high standards. "When you have established a strong bond with such friends, you can reach out to those who have not made firm decisions about morality. Help them to know that immorality is not `cool.' "
Fifth, he counseled, cultivate consideration to women of all ages and show respect through sincere courtesy.
Sixth, seek spiritual strength from the Lord. "Your daily prayers must include a heartfelt request for help in keeping your commitment to remain morally clean," he said.
"Remember young men, purity precedes power. Missionaries discover this very early in their missions and make every effort to be worthy so they can serve with power."
