This is one post in an A-Z series of 26 where I am writing about living as a Mormon in the wilderness of Kuantan
The Mormon Church outlines standards for its followers and invites them to adhere. The 3 most notable involve dress, diet and desires, otherwise known as Modesty, The Word of Wisdom, and the Law of Chastity. In order to enter a Mormon temple, for example, a candidate is questioned on their level of adherence to standards of dress, diet and desires.
DRESS
From the Church's own publication, "True to the Faith," we are presented with four areas of modesty including dress, grooming, language and behaviour. It revolves around us developing an understanding that the search for attention to self leads to pride and that ultimately our bodies are gifts from God, to Whom we should direct the attention. Which is why Kim Kardashian and Donald Trump don't go down well with Mormons.
Modesty is not given as a stringent law or commandment. It leaves a lot to individual choice, of us taking responsibility for our own virtue and consulting with God as to what course of action may be right for us.
DIET
Despite living in a spiritual wilderness far away from the noticing eyes of other Mormons, I have no inclination whatsoever to bow to peer pressure and 'have a drink.' This is a concept of health that doesn't require the church to tell me what my own mind determines. I just don't see the attraction in or benefit of alcohol and cigarettes.
The Word of Wisdom is however, neither exclusively specific nor deep in its scope of what we should or shouldn't consume. It leaves a lot to individual choice, of us taking responsibility for our own health and consulting with God as to what course of action may be right for us.
DESIRES
The Law of Chastity is the church's standards concerning our thoughts, words and actions. Mormons are to abstain from sex before marriage and are to enjoy having sex with their spouse, and spouse only, after marriage.
This law represents a sensible approach to handling our natural desires. How we carry out these requirements leaves a lot to individual choice, of us taking responsibility for our own sexual urges and consulting with God as to what course of action may be right for us.
CONCLUSION
Controlling our dress, diet and desires have physical benefits, but are also proposed to allow us to have a more personal relationship with God through being closer to the Holy Spirit. Being in a state of worthiness to receive impressions, promptings and guidance of the Spirit will increase the likelihood of our making good, positive decisions and will qualify us to receive light and truth in greater abundance.
Yet for all the suggestions, laws and commandments, not one of them can trump Decision. We are not robots and our ability to decide for ourselves is a power that we can either misuse or channel great strength from.
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
-D&C 58:26-27
How does individual choice, as opposed to being commanded in black and white, strengthen your resolve to live in worthiness of God's guidance?
