In nearly every conversation I have with people about my beliefs, they say something to the effect, “If I were a Mormon, I would have to stop drinking coffee, I just can’t live without coffee.” Or, “I couldn’t drink alcohol anymore.” Or, “I would have to get married to my girlfriend.”
Of course people have things that they love and enjoy. I do too. But recently, I have started to think about all of the the blessings that are in my life because I am a Mormon and it has caused me to think about what people say they would have to give up to become a Mormon. To me the things people say they would have to give up are a couple of pennies in comparison to the millions they could receive.
Lets talk about what blessings are in my life because I am a Mormon and do my best to practice what believe:
- I have a beautiful wife who loves me and has given me three beautiful children. She is the best thing that ever has, or ever will happen to me. Our marriage is strong and we have complete trust and faith in each other. I know that she and I will be together forever and ever if we remain faithful to each other and to God.
- My wife and I have had to make sacrifices so that she can stay home with the children, but they are growing up happy. They feel safe and secure in my home and they know that I and their mother love them. They trust us, their parents. They like to spend time together and laugh and play with each other.
- I was able to perform two years of missionary work for my church. This experience has blessed my life in ways I can’t count. I grew up and gained experience and perspective that would have taken me 10-15 years to acquire in other ways. I learned a second language. I learned how to interact with people. I learned how to be an effective teacher. I found out what true happiness is all about. I went out a boy and came home a man.
- I am able to run 3-4 miles without difficulty. I eat lots of fruit and vegetables which keep me feeling good. I don’t need coffee to wake me up in the morning, or a cigarette to calm my nerves, and I don’t need alcohol to have a good time on Friday night. What’s more, I have been promised if I will live the Word of Wisdom, I will be given knowledge and understanding and have strength above and beyond what I would be capable of on my own.
- I know who I am, I know where I have come from, I know why I am on earth, and I know where I am going.
These are just a few of the things that I can think of at the moment, but when I start to really think about it, the things that I have given up to be a Mormon pale in comparison to what I have gained. I urge you to think about what I have written about. These blessings are as available to you as they are to me. Yes, you will have to make sacrifices initially, but believe me, when you start to see the way God will work in your life, you will realize that they aren’t sacrifices at all.