A Definition for Decency

I recently taught a lesson in church.  One of the challenges in preparing my material was defining the word desire.  I noticed that I had a fairly negative connotation of this word because I had begun to think of it as a synonym for lust. (Every time I walk into a well known store in my neighborhood, I am required to walk past numerous shelves of books that define the word desire as an uncontrollable need for companionship with a man who don't know what it means to wear a shirt.)

Another word with a similar problem is decency.  My thoughts are probably like many of you, in that I associate decency with standards of sexual purity.  Now, there is nothing wrong with this association, it is part of the dictionary definition of the word;  however this is too narrow of a definition to describe the word.


According to Websters 21st Century Dictionary, which is a mini desk dictionary, decency is defined as: "Noun 1) appropriate. 2) not offensive to modesty. 3) respectable. 4)adequate."  This is a compact definition for a compact dictionary.  What is obvious is that moral standards are only a single way this word can be used.


The New Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language published by Avenel Book of New York in 1980, is a really big dictionary, resulting in a really big definition.  It defines decent as ". . .having a character or show that gains general approval; suitable, as to words, behavior, dress and ceremony; seemly;decorous; free from immodesty; not obscene; modest; moderate; tolerable, passable, respectable. . ." (pg. 220)

Decency is really an important characteristic for a Latter-day Saint.  How many times have you gone to a wedding reception or funeral and been surprised at the casual or sloppy dress of attendees?  This is a situation where respect for the ceremony is lost in an effort to present ourselves in a state of comfort that may or may not be appropriate. Decency isn't about taking away someone else's freedom of speech or action as much as it is teaching and living in a manner of showing respect for the worth of others.  President Hinckley defined decency as" the miracle of the golden rule:  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.' (Matthew 7:12)."  ( Gordon B. Hinckley.  Discourses of  President Gordon B. Hinckley  Volume 2:  2000-2004. Deseret Book. Salt Lake City. 2005. pg 488-9).