Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught what it means for priesthood holders to be clean: “As priesthood bearers, not only are we to handle sacred vessels and emblems of God’s power—think of preparing, blessing, and passing the sacrament, for example—but we are also to be a sanctified instrument. Partly because of what we are to do but more importantly because of what we are to be, the prophets and apostles tell us to ‘flee … youthful lusts’ and ‘call on the Lord out of a pure heart.’ They tell us to be clean” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 51–52; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 39).
The injunction “be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” (3 Nephi 20:41), given to those in ancient times who handled sacred vessels of worship, applies to modern priesthood holders as well. President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) reminded a gathering of the priesthood of this important command when he said: “‘Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord’ (D&C 133:5). Thus has He spoken to us in modern revelation. Be clean in body. Be clean in mind. Be clean in language. Be clean in dress and manner” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 68; or Ensign, May 1996, 48).
President Hinckley further counseled: “A tattoo is graffiti on the temple of the body. Likewise the piercing of the body” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 70; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 52).
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counseled young men and women “to avoid evil talk, to choose your friends wisely, to stay away from pornography and illicit drugs, to not attend evil concerts and dangerous parties, to respect your bodies and keep yourselves morally clean in every way” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2001, 86; or Ensign, May 2001, 66).