By Elizabeth Cullimore
Edwin G. Austin counseled students at Tuesday''s, May 21, Devotional to distinguish themselves by showing reverence and respect.
'Reverence is the act of showing respect,' said Austin, who is an associate professor of dance. 'Our definition is the same as the world''s definition, however, in a fast-paced world we have allowed casual attitudes to dictate our speech and our dress.'
Austin said members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been chosen to set a standard.
Austin emphasized the importance of showing respect and outlined five ways to increase reverence and respect.
'First develop an attitude of reverence and respect,' he said.
Austin counseled students to remember important titles when addressing people in certain positions such as bishop, president and elder.
'Our speech and respect to elders has diminished over the years,' he said.
Austin said when he was younger he addressed people older than him with sir and ma''am.
'Second, avoid the too frequent use of repetition of sacred names of Deity,' Austin said.
Austin said certain names of Deity should only be used in special settings. He said students should never take the name of the Lord in vain.
The third way Austin counseled students to increase reverence and respect was to 'learn prayer language.'
He said words such as 'thee' and 'thy' should be used in place of 'you' and 'your.'
'The Savior of the world should not be addressed like an ordinary man,' he said.
'Fourth, avoid vain repetitions,' Austin continued.
When giving talks in church or bearing testimony, Austin said it is appropriate to use correct phrases.
Austin encouraged those in attendance to be mindful of common sayings and phrases, and only use them when it is appropriate, not repetitively.
'Fifth, become sensitive to the when and where of proper behavior,' he said.
Austin said students should behave appropriately in 'Christ''s dwelling places.'
'Churches, temples and homes should be conducive to the spirit,' he said.
Austin relayed a story of when the International Folk Dance Ensemble performed at the Conference Center during the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games in a special preview of 'The Light of the World.' He said when the performance was over, some general authorities of the church came up to meet the performers.
'Our behavior changed in their presence,' Austin said. 'No one had to tell even the littlest children how to act in the presence of an apostle.'