We often see people do less than is commanded, but is it possible to go too far in our religious observance?

Thomas R. Valletta

“Another sign of spiritual immaturity and sometimes apostasy is when one focuses on certain gospel principles or pursues ‘gospel hobbies’ with excess zeal. Almost any virtue taken to excess can become a vice … .

“An example might be when one advocates additions to the Word of Wisdom that are not authorized by the Brethren and proselytes others to adopt these interpretations. If we turn a health law or any other principle into a form of religious fanaticism, we are looking beyond the mark.

“Some who are not authorized want to speak for the Brethren and imply that their message contains the ‘meat’ the Brethren would teach if they were not constrained to teach only the ‘milk.’” (Cook, “Looking beyond the Mark,” 42).

“And This Shall Ye Do in Remembrance of [Me]” (3 Nephi 18:7)

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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