Isn't it nice to know that there are people out there who know your values and help you to uphold them?
I don't remember what it was in reference to, but yesterday, my boss started to make the comment, "Wanna bet?" He stopped himself when he remembered that I was LDS, and we don't gamble. He quickly followed his question up with, "Wait...you can't do that [gamble]?
It was a nice gentle reminder that others are aware of who we are and what values we try to uphold. Sometimes it is easier to withstand temptation when others surrounding us encourage us rather that provoke us.
It IS nice when those around you respect your personal decisions.
ReplyDeleteI think an ongoing obstacle (though not unique to mormonism) is when someone's personal decisions are interpreted by non-members or projected by members as an expression of orthodoxy. For example, it is not difficult to find active, faithful mormons who are perfectly comfortable with the idea of making friendly "bets." This can be confusing at times for both members and non-members.