In Mormonism, worthiness is a measure of a person’s obedience to God’s commandments and the teachings of the Church. A member who is “worthy” is living in harmony with church standards and is eligible to participate in temple ordinances, hold callings, and receive a temple recommend.
Worthiness is determined through regular interviews with church leaders, who ask questions about personal conduct, honesty, tithing, chastity, and adherence to the Word of Wisdom. Falling short of these expectations can result in losing one’s temple privileges or church responsibilities. Because of this, worthiness is often seen as essential for peace with God and readiness for eternal life.
Biblical Christianity teaches that no one is worthy before God by their own obedience or moral effort (Romans 3:23). Our worthiness comes entirely through Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life on our behalf and gives us his righteousness as a gift (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christians obey God not to become worthy of his love, but because they already are loved and accepted through Christ.
