If You Could Break One Mormon Rule, What Would It Be?
“If you could break one Mormon rule, what would it be?” Last night, I heard my son speaking on the phone and he repeated the question as if to say he was shocked that it was ever asked. He thought about it a while and then answered, “I guess Caffeine, cause some of those drinks look really good.” I really didn’t mean to hear him, but it struck me strange that someone would ask that. Why would you want to break the Mormon rules that can keep you free from addiction and spiritual bondage, and lead to eternal happiness?
The idea of choosing a rule to break seems strange to me. I would think everyone would want to have guidelines that would lead them to happiness and freedom. It must have struck my son as strange, too. After all, he repeated the question and had to think a while. Logically, I can see the practicality of each “Mormon Rule” and how it will lead to a free and happy life if one chooses to follow the rules. Even something so small as avoiding caffeine can bring us more freedom from headaches, heart problems, dehydration, and addiction.
The big rules seem particularly obvious. Avoiding sex before marriage can keep you free from sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, heartache, guilt, and other problems. Since the benefits of following the rules are so obvious to me, I have had problems with self righteousness and looking down on people who don’t see it the same way I do. Of course, that’s breaking a rule in and of itself. One of the greatest rules, “Love thy neighbor as thyself”.
So, while I understand the importance of the rules in my life, I need to be more careful about judging other people. When I judge others, I’m breaking the commandments and I am filled with pride. As you can tell, I’ve been working on being more humble, lately. I have a tendency to be very critical and judgmental, especially of those who should be considered the closest, my family. So, in a spirit of repentance, I am confessing and forsaking my sins. I am bringing my weaknesses to The Lord and asking Him to make them strengths unto me. I hope that I will be able to be more accepting of others and love people no matter what rules they are following. That is what Christ would do and that is what I want to do.
Love the way you wrote this Amy. Very nice. I agree with you 100%. Good for you. You’re awesome!! Thank you.
Thanks, Dayna. You’re always such a good support for me.
Not drinking caffeine is a “Mormon rule”?
I don’t know if it’s a “Mormon Rule” or just a family rule. I’ve been challenged on this before and I really couldn’t tell you. I grew up thinking it was a Mormon rule, but I can’t find any documentation except that the word of wisdom says not to drink hot drinks, which we have been told means not to drink coffee and tea. As a girl, I was taught not only by my family, but also in Sunday school class (which doesn’t mean it’s doctrine) that caffeinated soda was also in this category. I’m not sure if it’s church doctrine or not, and I’m sure there are tons of Latter Day Saints who drink caffeinated drinks and feel that it’s just fine. As for me, I’ve never felt comfortable drinking caffeine and I’ve advised my children to avoid it as well. I hope I haven’t offended you. There are plenty of other things to worry about and being Christlike is the main thing. God bless.
Not offended in the least. I appreciate the response. I think you gave a good answer. I’d go one step further and state that it’s not “church doctrine”, but perhaps a cultural or traditional inclination. The question is, how did this develop into such a wide-spread overbelief?
Now, that’s not to say that avoiding caffeine isn’t good healthy practice. It’s just that nothing in the Word of Wisdom elevates it into a “Mormon rule”.
By any means, I prefer principles to rules any day. Yeah, that leaves more open room for personal interpretation, but that’s the way the gospel is supposed to be lived.
Well said.
dear Amy, I agree with you on humbling ourselves by not judging others. In fact I believe that judgment is left for God ONLY and no other! I know that Jesus Christs principle message is to forget ourselves completely and live for others. Involve yourself not only in just a church but in humanity itself! Our happiness comes only from serving everyone, saving lives, feeding hungry mouths, clothing the poor, 100% true dedication to help our brothers and sisters not only of our faith but all! this is the TRUE message of Christ and only a few actually carry his cross and follow!
In regards to the word of wisdom, I know that alcohol and drugs have its downside… but we focus so much on avoiding the few substances laid out for us to not use that we obey blindly! What about all the sugar and fats and greasy food we consume daily! These things are an abomination and are just as bad if not worse than drugs and alcohol! Shouldnt these foods be treated as we treat other substances in the word of wisdom? These are things that come from my heart and I say this to maybe reach someone!
Ed,
Thanks for bringing that out. I am not very good at keeping the good parts of the word of wisdom. I love the fats and sugar and I need to do better at eating more healthy foods. I appreciate your input. We do need to work on obeying the things we should do as well as the things we shouldn’t do if we are to be valiant disciples of Christ.