Mormonism is a very structured religion with many rules. As you transition out of Mormonism, you experience grace and a new freedom in Christ. You no longer have to keep all of the rules in order to be right with God. You have God’s grace and salvation. You are free to try new things. But it’s important to be smart about it.
In Christ We Have Freedom, but Do Not Go Off the Deep End.
Transitioning out of Mormonism and into a world of options is almost like a sheltered teen leaving for college and entering a world of new experiences. It would be easy to go off the deep end. As you leave Mormonism, its natural to want to try the things you were forbidden to do – like drinking coffee, having a glass of wine with dinner, or wearing sleeveless shirts. You might feel resentful about missing out on things all those years, so its tempting to go overboard. You have to learn how to navigate the new freedom that you have. Now you need to learn principles and boundaries for yourself rather than being told what to do.
One pitfall you may run into as you leave the church is the desire to flaunt your new freedom to your “stuck-up” Mormon friends and family, perhaps to get them to see how amazing freedom in Christ truly is. But instead of attracting people toward the truth, this usually drives them away. As faithful Mormons, they will think that you left the church just so you could indulge in sin. This will only justify their low view of you. You will become their example of someone who left the church and lost all their values.
[Related: How to Live as a Christian]
[Related: Transition Step 4: Handle New Freedom]
Be Authentic, but Also Be Respectful.
We have many legitimate freedoms in Christ. We want to live in that freedom, but the Bible does not spell everything out in black and white. However, as we mature we learn to be more reserved and to respect boundaries. How do we balance being authentic and being appropriate?
First, think of it in terms of respect and common courtesy. If you were invited to a party, you would respectfully follow the dress code. You would not go to a baseball game in a tuxedo just to prove a point. If you were traveling to a different country you would not feel resentful or put-upon if you had to dress to respect the culture. So, why do we think that just because we are no longer LDS, that it’s okay to rub our freedom in people’s faces? You can be authentic and still be respectful toward the beliefs of your Mormon friends. For example, you could still wear shorts, but not shorty-shorts.
Be Authentic, but Also Think About Your Influence
Secondly, think about your witness. The apostle Paul said that he would become all things to all people in order to win someone to faith (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). He was willing to make adjustments in his freedom. For instance, he would act like a Gentile around Gentiles and like a Jew around Jews. He was not being fake or inauthentic, but making lifestyle choices in order to win someone to Christ. One example of a lifestyle choice some Christians have made is not mowing their lawn on Sunday. We are free in Christ to mow whenever we want, but our LDS neighbors would not understand that freedom. Sometimes your witness may be more important than your freedom.
Now that you are no longer dictated by the Mormon church you are faced with lifestyle choices. Learn how to be authentic, but also respectful and appropriate. These choices do not rob you of your freedom in Christ, but have a higher purpose. God will help you navigate this freedom and help you continue to have great relationships with people in the church and those leaving.
[Related: The Word of Wisdom After Mormonism]
[Related: Is It Wrong for Christians to Drink Alcohol?]
[Related: Navigating Freedom and Responsibility]
