Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27

Why is it important to you to know the truth that you are created in the image of God?

"26 ¶ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:26–27)

"26 And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so. And I, God, said: Let them have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them." (Moses 2:26–27)

"26 And the Gods took counsel among themselves and said: Let us go down and form man in our image, after our likeness; and we will give them dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So the Gods went down to organize man in their own image, in the image of the Gods to form they him, male and female to form they them." (Abraham 4:26–27)

"Your body is an amazing gift from your Heavenly Father. He gave it to you to help you become more like Him. Having a body gives you increased power to exercise your freedom to choose. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ can help you see your body from God’s perspective. And that makes a big difference in your choices about what to do with your body and how to care for it.

Eternal truths

Your body is in the image of God—the most glorious, majestic Being in the universe. The scriptures compare our bodies to a holy temple, a place where the Spirit can dwell. Of course, your body is not perfect now. But the experiences you’re having with your body can help you prepare to receive one day a perfect, resurrected, glorified body.

Your soul is made up of your body and your spirit. For this reason, physical health and spiritual health are closely connected. The Savior revealed the Word of Wisdom to teach principles of caring for your body—and to promise physical and spiritual blessings.

Sexual feelings are an important part of God’s plan to create happy marriages and eternal families. These feelings are not sinful—they are sacred. Because sexual feelings are so sacred and so powerful, God has given you His law of chastity to prepare you to use these feelings as He intends. The law of chastity states that God approves of sexual activity only between a man and a woman who are married. Many in the world ignore or even mock God’s law, but the Lord invites us to be His disciples and live a standard higher than the world’s.

Invitations

Treat your body—and others’ bodies—with respect. As you make decisions about your clothing, hairstyle, and appearance, ask yourself, “Am I honoring my body as a sacred gift from God?” Heavenly Father wants us to see each other for who we really are: not just physical bodies but His beloved children with a divine destiny. Avoid styles that emphasize or draw inappropriate attention to your physical body instead of who you are as a child of God with an eternal future. Let moral cleanliness and love for God guide your choices. Seek counsel from your parents.

Do things that will strengthen your body—nothing that will hurt or damage it. Enjoy with gratitude the many good things God has provided. But remember that alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and other harmful drugs and substances are not for your body or your spirit. Even helpful substances, like prescription drugs, can be destructive if not used correctly.

Keep sex and sexual feelings sacred. They should not be the subject of jokes or entertainment. Outside of marriage between a man and a woman, it is wrong to touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body even if clothed. In your choices about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in others or yourself. This includes pornography in any form. If you find that situations or activities make temptations stronger, avoid them. You know what those situations and activities are. And if you aren’t sure, the Spirit, your parents, and your leaders can help you know. Show your Father in Heaven that you honor and respect the sacred power to create life.

Promised blessings

Your respect for yourself and others will increase as you honor your body through your behavior, appearance, and dress.

The Lord has promised great treasures of knowledge to those who keep the Word of Wisdom. A healthy body, free from addiction, also increases your ability to receive personal revelation, think clearly, and serve the Lord.

Living the law of chastity brings God’s approval and personal spiritual power. When you are married, this law will bring greater love, trust, and unity to your marriage. Obeying this law will make it possible for you to progress eternally and become more like your Heavenly Father. Your confidence will grow as you live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Questions and answers

What is the Lord’s standard on dress, grooming, tattoos, and piercings? The Lord’s standard is for you to honor the sacredness of your body, even when that means being different from the world. Let this truth and the Spirit be your guide as you make decisions—especially decisions that have lasting effects on your body. Be wise and faithful, and seek counsel from your parents and leaders.

How can I overcome temptations and bad habits? Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have the power to help you. Fill your life with things that invite that power into your life, such as prayer, scripture study, and service to others. Turn to Jesus Christ and His gospel and you will find that weaknesses can become strengths. Seek help from parents, leaders, and professional counselors as needed. For those who suffer from addiction, the Church offers an addiction recovery program. These are blessings the Savior’s Church provides to help you regain control of your life. It will take time, so be patient, and never give up.

I am attracted to people of my same sex. How do these standards apply to me? Feeling same-sex attraction is not a sin. If you have these feelings and do not pursue or act on them, you are living Heavenly Father’s sacred law of chastity. You are a beloved child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. Remember that the Savior understands everything you experience. Through your covenant connection with Him, you will find strength to obey God’s commandments and receive the blessings He promises. Trust Him and His gospel.

I was abused, and I feel ashamed. Am I guilty of sin? Being a victim of any abuse or assault does not make you guilty of sin. Please do not feel guilt or shame. The Savior loves you. He wants to help you, heal you, and give you peace. Professional counselors, your family members, and your leaders can also help.

See Genesis 1:27 (we are created in God’s image); John 14:18 (the Savior promises comfort); Philippians 4:7 (the peace of God passes understanding); Doctrine and Covenants 88:15 (the spirit and the body are the soul); 89 (the Word of Wisdom); 121:45 (virtuous thoughts lead to increased confidence).

And here's the beginning part of the commentary entitled: "I am created in the image of God." :

"As you read Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; and Abraham 4:26–27, ponder what it means to be created in God’s “image” or “likeness,” male and female. Why is it important to you to know the truths in these verses? For example, how do these truths affect the way you see yourself, others, and God? How can they help you when you have negative feelings about yourself?

To help you think about these questions, try completing a sentence like this one: “Because I know I am created in God’s image, I choose to …” Reviewing “Your body is sacred” in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (pages 22–29) can help. Consider choosing something you will do to show God that you know your body is sacred."

It is important to me to know the truth that I am created in the image of God because I don't want to be confused by the many philosophies of me. And I want to make the most important decisions I will make in life based on the truths from God, rather than based on my own limited idea of who I am. 

It's perfect timing for me to study this reading assignment today. The topic is so timely because today is my husband's birthday. And because of being married to my husband, I've been able to appreciate being created in the image of God as male and female more than ever before. I've been able to see how marriage brings together a man and a woman to become a team, a whole in which two different parts complement each other. God's divine and eternal design is so brilliant! His plan for His children perfectly makes sense! My husband and I have our own strengths and weaknesses. Since we were yoked together when we got married, we've been learning from each other, supporting each other, and turning our weaknesses into strengths. My weaknesses are his strengths, and his weaknesses are my strengths, so we are able to help each other out. Because our core values are the same, we are headed in the same direction as we work on improving ourselves together. 

Because I know I am created in God’s image, I choose to continue taking care of myself both physically and spiritually. And I'm so grateful for my transformation over the years that I've been married because my happiness, peace, and joy have been growing as I become my better version and more like my Savior Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father faster than ever before.