I was sitting in front of the television the other day when I was reminded why I watch very little TV. The program was touted as being suitable for family viewing when it struck me just how often the name of God was bandied about for pure effect with absolutely no respect for its sacred nature.

Traveling throughout the community and in my place of employment, I find myself being ever more cognizant of the type of language people use and what it says about their character. I find a startlingly direct correlation between most people's linguistic refinement and the nature and level of character they display. Of course there are exceptions to this finding, but it holds true for most.

My father taught me at a very young age that I should surround myself with people that I wish to emulate, because I will become like the people I choose for my inner circle of friends and associates. The older I get, the more I realize my father's wisdom and people would do well to give heed to it.

Quite often I hear many good and faithful people tell me they have the ability to change their surroundings, so it is OK to mingle with crowds in a less-than-desirable atmosphere, even if it means engaging in unsavory activities, such as watching irreverent entertainment. My unchanging response is to point out that such a belief is unwise at best and can pollute one's character before they realize what is happening because desirable character depends on positive reinforcement and change is always slow and subtle, but does unavoidably occur without exception according to the dominant influence in our lives. Therefore, we should continually shy away from anything less than the quality of character that we wish to possess, which includes the nature and content of the conversations we engage in or choose to listen to.

We are admonished to seek to do the Lord's will and preach His Gospel to all the ends of the earth and to do so often means associating with people from all walks of life and every character level. After all, we are all our Heavenly Father's children. Given this reality, it becomes necessary for each of us to be aware of external influences and do what we can to keep the balance of influence tipped toward the social strata we want to stay in.

This is one very important argument for gathering together often to worship the Lord in church gatherings. We live in a world where wicked influences are increasingly prevalent and seeking to fortify ourselves against evil influence involves purifying the inner vessel. One way to accomplish this is to constantly place ourselves in an environment conducive to pure thoughts and actions.

It is unfortunate, but doing so may require abstinence from common influences like media entertainment, even though in the past it had a reputation for being without guile and demonstrated the tenants of honor, fidelity and respect for sacred things, which has been foregone to appeal to the masses.

I have been chided in the past for reacting to vulgarity. The question haughtily posed is whether or not my ears were burning at the sound of vulgarity. The intent was to entrap me without a response to support my position. I tell them "no" my ears don't burn, but add I am affected by my surroundings and that their words and actions tend to build less-than-desirable images and thoughts in my mind. I go on to say that I am simply in training to be worthy to live in the presence of my Heavenly Father and that their actions only hinder my progress. I then say that I am left with no choice but to speak out against vulgarity or remove myself from it.

In a church environment where teaching and edifying are the core purpose of the entire group you will find the name of deity used often and properly, however, what about times outside such gatherings when teaching opportunities present themselves in environments wherein hostility and irreverence may be present?

I find that a person can respect the name of the Lord by recognizing that we are all children of our Heavenly Father.

Here is a test: Think to yourself about the people you surround yourself with socially or in your working environment and ask yourself how comfortable you are saying "My Heavenly Father" or "Our Heavenly Father" in a conversation. Try it when appropriate and you will be surprised to find that many who might initially shy away from you at first will grow to respect your strength to stand and not be ashamed. Be prepared to have others change their attitude around you and, in many cases, look to you with renewed respect, though it may not always be outwardly evident.

I have had people come to me secretly and apologize for their language and actions and seek to change their behavior in the future. It is a great feeling to know that one person's example can have far-reaching effects that may not be known until that great and last day when we stand before the judgment seat of God and are shown the true depth -- or lack thereof -- of our words and actions.

Tooele City resident Evan Rowell is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, although his views in no way represent the official stance of the church. He may be reached by e-mail at evandr2@faithandevidence.com.