From The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
by WILLIAM N. FILLMORE
Modern scripture deals with "light-mindedness" as trivializing the sacred or making light of sacred things. Latter-day Saints were admonished early in the History of the Church to "trifle not with sacred things" (D&C 6:12; D&C 8:10). At its worst, light-mindedness may become ridicule and then sacrilege and blasphemy-a deliberate irreverence for the things of God.
Divine personages and their names, temple ceremonies, the priesthood and its ordinances, and the saintly life, for example, are intrinsically holy. Other things are holy by association. The Lord has said, "That which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit" (D&C 63:64). The Saints were warned against "excess of laughter," "light speeches," and "light-mindedness," yet were taught to worship "with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance" (D&C 59:15;D&C 88:121).
In practice, Latter-day Saints distinguish light-mindedness from lightheartedness; the latter is a triumph of the zestful, joyful spirit of the gospel over life's trials. Such cheerfulness and good humor do not preclude, but rather can complement, spirituality. While imprisoned in Liberty Jail, Joseph Smith wrote that the things of God are only made known to those who exercise "careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts" (HC 3:295); yet he later spoke of himself as "playful and cheerful" (TPJS, p. 307). The Church counsels against a light-minded attitude toward sacred matters but encourages joyfulness in worship and wholesome pleasure in recreation.
Also See:
We Should Be a Reverent People Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball
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