Freedom

I remember countless times as I was growing up that my friends would ask me how I could stand to live with all of the rules that come along with my religion.  Even as a young adult, I'd get questions like, "Don't you feel tied down?"  While it's true that, as a teenager, there may have been times that I felt like I needed a little bit more freedom, for the most part I really never did feel "tied down".

I do not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads, but be brought down according to thy words.

Ye say that this people is a free people.  Behold, I say they are in bondage...(Alma 30:23-24)

That was Korihor speaking to the High Priest about why he was going around preaching to the people that Christ was not real, but a foolish tradition passed down by their ancestors.  He accused the leaders of the church of keeping the people in bondage, rather than allowing them to freely do as they wished.  He was telling them that "every man prospered according to their own genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength, and whatsoever a man did was no crime"(Alma 30:17).

And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness...telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.(Alma 30-18)

It was easy for Korihor to lead so many people astray because the things he taught "were pleasing unto the carnal mind" (Alma 30:53).  I think it's human nature to want to feel pleasure.  The problem is, oftentimes we look to instant gratification instead of looking at the big picture.

How can a person not feel like they are in bondage when they're a member of a religion with so many "rules"?  Never smoke.  Never drink.  Never have pre-marital sex. Never lie, cheat or steal.  Never. Never. Never.  Because I have chosen to follow the guidelines that are a part of being a member of the church, I really have lived my life with quite a few "nevers".  I have never had a hang-over.  I have never had to give up an addiction.  I have never ended up in jail.  I have never had to worry about an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.  Never.  Never.  Never.

I know, without a doubt, that I have much more freedom than a lot of the people who used to tell me how "tied down" I was by my religion.  How grateful I am for the boundaries that have been set to protect me.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 30