Is it hard to be a good Mormon?

[_krose]

In another thread, "Charity" posted the following comments:

A person who thinks that all they have to do is pay tithing to get into the temple is really, really mistaken. That is the easiest of the requirements.

Care to be specific about how easy it is to live the whole Gospel?

Several others requested an explanation, but perhaps she didn't see it. Here's a chance to expound.

As for myself, based on my own experience as a Mormon from birth, I don't think it was ever all that hard to 'live the gospel.' As I've said before, spending all that time in meetings and scripture reading was a bit boring, but not exactly difficult. Now, if you find yourself fighting the urge to indulge in habits you've picked up somewhere in life, such as smoking (or if you are resisting your sexual orientation), I can see how it might be hard. But otherwise, no, it's not that hard.

Obviously, if you consider not yet being perfect to be a failure to fully live the gospel, you could make it very hard on yourself. But I don't believe that describes most members, who are just trying to do their best, and don't beat themselves up for not being perfect.

[_Runtu]

Several others requested an explanation, but perhaps she didn't see it. Here's a chance to expound.

As for myself, based on my own experience as a Mormon from birth, I don't think it was ever all that hard to 'live the gospel.' As I've said before, spending all that time in meetings and scripture reading was a bit boring, but not exactly difficult. Now, if you find yourself fighting the urge to indulge in habits you've picked up somewhere in life, such as smoking (or if you are resisting your sexual orientation), I can see how it might be hard. But otherwise, no, it's not that hard.

Obviously, if you consider not yet being perfect to be a failure to fully live the gospel, you could make it very hard on yourself. But I don't believe that describes most members, who are just trying to do their best, and don't beat themselves up for not being perfect.

I would have to agree. I never found it particularly difficult to keep the commandments, at least well enough to get a temple recommend. Sure, I constantly felt like I didn't measure up, but looking back, it wasn't difficult at all to do the things I was supposed to do: home teaching, temple work, tithing, Word of Wisdom, FHE, meetings, callings, scripture study, honesty, etc. My life hasn't changed all that much since I "left." I still go to church. I don't drink or drink coffee (though I did for a few months in Texas), don't smoke, don't cheat on my wife, etc.

How hard is it to get into a habit or program and stick with it?

[_Always Thinking]

In another thread, "Charity" posted the following comments:

A person who thinks that all they have to do is pay tithing to get into the temple is really, really mistaken. That is the easiest of the requirements.

Care to be specific about how easy it is to live the whole Gospel?

Several others requested an explanation, but perhaps she didn't see it. Here's a chance to expound.

As for myself, based on my own experience as a Mormon from birth, I don't think it was ever all that hard to 'live the gospel.' As I've said before, spending all that time in meetings and scripture reading was a bit boring, but not exactly difficult. Now, if you find yourself fighting the urge to indulge in habits you've picked up somewhere in life, such as smoking (or if you are resisting your sexual orientation), I can see how it might be hard. But otherwise, no, it's not that hard.

Obviously, if you consider not yet being perfect to be a failure to fully live the gospel, you could make it very hard on yourself. But I don't believe that describes most members, who are just trying to do their best, and don't beat themselves up for not being perfect.

I think that was me, exactly. I never felt like I was perfect by a long shot, but being temple worthy did not present a huge challenge. I am not rebellious by nature, and I have always LOVED going to church. I still do, actually. I simply like the people there, and I enjoy the familiarity.

I think TBMs like to feel special in "knowing" that exmos left because they just "couldn't" live the commandments.

It was years after non-belief that I got around to trying coffee, tea and alcohol. I've found that I love lattes and Chai tea, and I don't like alcohol. I never intend to try tobacco, illicit drugs, or adultery.

[_Some Schmo]

Is it hard to be a good Mormon?

For me it was. Of course, being a good Mormon includes believing it, and that was out of the question.

But I think the real question is, "Is it good to be a hard Mormon?" Watch Orgasmo with Trey Parker for more information.

[_Phaedrus Ut]

I think a better question is ....

Is it hard to be a happy Mormon?


Phaedrus

[_krose]

For me it was. Of course, being a good Mormon includes believing it, and that was out of the question..

Sure, maintaining belief was the really hard part for me as well (although not early on in life - that was easy then too - it became difficult later).

[_truth dancer]

Doing all the stuff (tithing, WoW, obedience, VT, etc), was not hard for me... my current choices are probably much more restrictive than anything imposed on me by the church but these are choices I make that feel right for me.

The only thing that was hard was trying to make myself believe things that did not seem or feel true.

~dancer~

[Guest]

Despite Charity's claim, I do think paying tithing is definitely one of the hardest things in the list of TR requirements for most people.

[_moksha]

Once you find your spot of serenity and can begin to love God, others and yourself, it becomes much easier.

[_The Nehor]

Depends on if you mean keeping the simple standards. In that case I would say it depends on the person.

To ascend the spiritual heights, repent daily, seek not just wisdom from God but greater commandments to obey, get the revelation you need to make yourself more perfect, and surrender yourself enough to let Christ save you....yeah, for me that's hard.