The greatest safeguard against temptation and sin is for members to hold fast to the covenants they have made with the Lord. Temptations come in various forms, such as peer pressure, family disharmony, boredom, loneliness, suggestive movies, pornography, Internet chat rooms, and other enticing attractions. In addition, involvement with alcohol and other addictive substances can lead to more serious transgressions.

Wherever possible, service members should attend Church meetings and be involved in wholesome activities. Military Relations at PST-Military@ldschurch.org or (801) 240-2286 can assist deployed members in identifying where Church services are held and who the group leader is at their deployed location. Members will find strength to do what is right as they associate with other Church members, and having opportunities to serve and be involved in Church activities will help dispel the feelings of loneliness and despair that can often lead to inappropriate behavior or relationships.

Sometimes when newly married couples are separated due to military duty, there can be a tendency for the spouse at home to reestablish association with single adults who were friends prior to the marriage. Marital status does not change because the military member is away for a time. Activities should continue around those who are married—not with single adults. Married spouses should refrain from individual activities with those of the opposite sex, whether married or single.

Female Church members serving in the military may experience unwanted advances by male service members who don’t share their moral standards. Church members should avoid compromising situations and should not allow themselves to be intimidated by the person’s position of authority. Members should not be afraid to say no to such advances and report cases of sexual harassment to appropriate authorities.

(Navigation tip: To return to an earlier section or to the pamphlet's introduction, click one of the links in the breadcrumb trail—the tan area above this page's title.)