Conflict of interests…

[Anonymous]

eman, I have had many of the same concerns! Looking at my life and habits and sacrifices in light of my new faith or lack of has changed everything. Things that mattered before, don’t as much now and vice versa. I don’t want to act selfishly or rashly. I want to be honest with myself and my motives. I want my actions to reflect what’s really in my heart, not just put on a show. I would like to pay less tithing, but would paying less tithing be a selfish decision, just for a 10% raise? Or a step towards getting out of debt? or refusing to support an institution I don’t believe in anymore? Do I want to stop wearing my garments because I don’t believe they are inspired – they were invented by Joseph Smith to mimic Masonic rituals, OR is it because they’re uncomfortable and it’s hot here, and I’d like to wear a tank top in the summertime? I’m not sure! I’ll be going around in circles for a while I’m sure.

[Anonymous]

Southern wrote:

eman, I have had many of the same concerns! Looking at my life and habits and sacrifices in light of my new faith or lack of has changed everything. Things that mattered before, don’t as much now and vice versa. I don’t want to act selfishly or rashly. I want to be honest with myself and my motives. I want my actions to reflect what’s really in my heart, not just put on a show. I would like to pay less tithing, but would paying less tithing be a selfish decision, just for a 10% raise? Or a step towards getting out of debt? or refusing to support an institution I don’t believe in anymore? Do I want to stop wearing my garments because I don’t believe they are inspired – they were invented by Joseph Smith to mimic Masonic rituals, OR is it because they’re uncomfortable and it’s hot here, and I’d like to wear a tank top in the summertime? I’m not sure! I’ll be going around in circles for a while I’m sure.

Well, luckily there’s so many smart people on here with such great advice. 😈 I’ve somehow managed to leave behind the fear I still carried when I first posted this. I do my best to bring my heart and mind in to agreement and seek for inspiration. But at the end of the day I do the best I can with the knowledge I have and have faith that God will be okay with it. There’s a great blog post on tithing here and a wonderful discussion in an older thread here. Helped my heart and mind come into alignment on a figure I believe to be 10% and an honest full tithe. Best of luck!

(disclaimer: Following links off puremormonism may cause bouts of anger. if you would like to avoid these feelings, I recommend you only what he presents on his site. )

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