What are Mormons like?

You may have come across a few Mormons in your life. Sometimes they seem to stick out because of their lifestyle choices. Mormons (also called Latter-day Saints) do not drink alcohol. Nor do they do drugs (including tobacco). They do not have sex before marriage. They are also modest in dress, speech, and actions. At least, these are all things that Mormon doctrine teaches, but individuals are, of course, free to make their own decisions.

The Mormon Church has very high standards, according to the world’s opinion. Most of the things which Mormons refrain from doing are now acceptable and even expected in the rest of the world’s societies. This can make it difficult to be strong at times and to hold oneself to a higher standard. You may wonder why anyone would choose to live such a seemingly restricted life. However, Mormons who understand the doctrines underlying these principles of lifestyle and behavior can see that it is not even a sacrifice to live a higher standard. It in fact gives them more freedom in their lives.

When a person refrains from taking harmful substances into the body, he or she will never run the risk of becoming addicted to those substances and will never be bound by those cravings. A person who chooses abstinence before marriage and fidelity inside of marriage never runs the risk of contracting STDs or birthing a child out of wedlock. A person who chooses to dress modestly is less likely to attract the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kind of people and can protect him- or herself more fully from falling into this kind of danger.

Many people notice something different about Mormons apart from their lifestyles. Often people comment that these people seem genuinely happy and at peace, often even despite large trials in their lives. When Latter-day Saints live the gospel of Jesus Christ fully, they do have happiness and peace. This joy enters the lives of all who chooses to follow the commandments of our Savior. This is because the whole point of the Plan of Salvation is joy and happiness. We, as God’s children, are meant to be happy. Everyone will have trials; that is part of life. The difference between those who are unhappy and those who are happy is their relationship with their Savior and their perspective on this life.

Though the lifestyle of Mormons tends to set them apart, it is also a joyful lifestyle. Mormon doctrine teaches that true joy, happiness, and fun all come when we treat ourselves and those around us with respect and kindness.

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