There have been a couple of threads lately that have inspired and prompted me to view my thoughts and feelings.

I feel that these two threads are a result of the last days. Woe until them that call evil good and good evil. What I find amazing are the numerous members of the Church that choose to justify their own thoughts and actions by the world's standards instead of scripture and the promptings of our own Church Leaders.

There is a talk by President Monson that says the following. (I'm only quoting the beginning):

He talks about vising Tonga and learns about the fishermen that trap Octopus using a maka-feka which is an Octopus snare. He then uses that as an analogy.

Quote:
It was an easy transition for the teacher to point out to the eager and wide-eyed youth that the evil one—even Satan—has fashioned so-called maka-fekes with which to ensnare unsuspecting persons and take possession of their destinies.

Today we are surrounded by the maka-fekes which the evil one dangles before us and with which he attempts to entice us and then to ensnare us. Once grasped, such maka-fekes are ever so difficult—and sometimes nearly impossible—to relinquish. To be safe, we must recognize them for what they are and then be unwavering in our determination to avoid them.
Constantly before us is the maka-feke of immorality. Almost everywhere we turn, there are those who would have us believe that what was once considered immoral is now acceptable. I think of the scripture, “Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Such is the maka-feke of immorality. We are reminded in the Book of Mormon that chastity and virtue are precious above all things.
End of quote

Satan leads us little by little. He starts slow until he has ensnared us just like the Octopus snare. What starts as something that appears innocent and one would think certainly couldn't cause harm leads to more dangerous activity.

On the subject of modesty. I'm only going to quote one source that I found on lds.org.

This is from Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and was published in August 2008.

Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.

In everyday living, immodest clothing such as short shorts, miniskirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire are not appropriate. Men and women—including young men and young women—should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low cut in the front or back or revealing in any other manner. Tight pants, tight shirts, excessively baggy clothing, wrinkled apparel, and unkempt hair are not appropriate. All should avoid extremes in clothing, hairstyle, and other aspects of appearance. We should always be neat and clean, avoiding sloppiness or inappropriate casualness.
(End quote)

Now if someone would like to argue the above statement...argue with Elder Hales.

I've read one comment on a thread: "If it doesn't come from the Prophet's mouth then I won't believe or follow it." Do not the other leaders of the Church also act as a mouthpiece for our Prophet and for our Heavenly Father? Do they not receive revelation and inspiration in what they have to teach us as well as the Prophet?

Let us not be caught up in the maka-feka and be ensnared by the workings of Satan. Unfortunately we will see more and more of this as we progress nearer and nearer to the last days.

I am so far from perfect. I would not profess to be even minutely close to it. However, I trust our Church leaders that they would not lead us astray. That they provide sound counsel and advise.