How Could the Word of Wisdom Bless Your Life?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Doctrine and Covenants 89-92 in a lesson titled “A Principle with Promise.” The lesson was introduced by the following information.

In the School of the Prophets, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught the elders of Israel about building God’s kingdom on earth. They discussed spiritual truths, prayed together, fasted, and prepared to preach the gospel. But there was something about the atmosphere that might seem odd to us today, and it didn’t seem right to Emma Smith either. During the meetings, the men smoked and chewed tobacco, which wasn’t unusual for the time, but it stained the wood floors black and left a strong odor in the air. Emma shared her concerns with Joseph, and Joseph asked the Lord. His response was a revelation that went far beyond smoke and tobacco stains. It gave the Saints, for generations to come, “a principle with promise”—promises of physical health, “wisdom,” and “great treasures of knowledge” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3, 19). 

The scripture block for this lesson includes the following principles: (1) The Lord gave me the Word of Wisdom to help me be healthy in body and spirit (Doctrine and Covenants 89), (2) The First Presidency holds the “keys of the kingdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:1-17), (3) “All things shall work together for [my] good” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:24), (4) Who is Vienna Jaques? (Doctrine and Covenants 90:28-31), and (5) “The Spirit manifesteth truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 91). This essay will discuss principle #1, “The Lord gave me the Word of Wisdom to help me be healthy in body and spirit.”

When the elders in the School of the Prophets first heard Joseph Smith read the Word of Wisdom, they immediately “tossed their pipes and plugs of chewing tobacco into the fire” (Saints, 1:168), They wanted to show their willingness to obey the Lord. Perhaps you have already “tossed” from your life the substances warned against by the Word of Wisdom, but there is more that we can learn from this revelation.

·         This revelation is known as the Word of Wisdom AND “a principle with promise” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3).

1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—

2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—

3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.

The revelation was first given as a word of wisdom that even the weakest of Saints could obey; however, it later was voted upon by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be a commandment.

·         The promise is given in the closing verses, Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21.

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

I have lived according to the Word of Wisdom for my entire life and have received numerous blessings for doing so. The most important blessing is that I enjoy the frequent companionship of the Holy Ghost and worthily hold a temple recommend. Other blessings include (1) never smelling like tobacco smoke or having teeth yellowed by tobacco use, (2) never being addicted to tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or drugs, and (3) good health, and (4) knowledge of God and His mysteries.

President Thomas S. Monson shared the following story about a young man who lived the Word of Wisdom and how he was blessed with health and necessary strength when needed (“Principles and Promises,” October 2016). Principles and Promises

Recently I read the true account of a dramatic manifestation concerning these promises. A faithful member of the Church, John A. Larsen, served during World War II in the United States Coast Guard on the ship USS Cambria. During a battle in the Philippines, word came of an approaching squadron of bombers and kamikaze fighter planes. Orders were given for immediate evacuation. Since the USS Cambria was already gone, John and three companions gathered their gear and hurried to the beach, hoping for a lift out to one of the departing ships. Fortunately, a landing craft picked them up and sped toward the last ship leaving the bay. The men on that departing ship, in an effort to evacuate as quickly as possible, were busy on deck and had time only to throw ropes to the four men, that they might hopefully be able to climb to the deck.

John, with a heavy radio strapped to his back, found himself dangling at the end of a 40-foot (12 m) rope, at the side of a ship headed out to the open sea. He began pulling himself up, hand over hand, knowing that if he lost his grip, he would almost certainly perish. After climbing only a third of the way, he felt his arms burning with pain. He had become so weak that he felt he could no longer hold on.

With his strength depleted, as he grimly contemplated his fate, John silently cried unto God, telling Him that he had always kept the Word of Wisdom and had lived a clean life—and he now desperately needed the promised blessings.

John later said that as he finished his prayer, he felt a great surge of strength. He began climbing once again and fairly flew up the rope. When he reached the deck, his breathing was normal and not the least bit labored. The blessings of added health and stamina promised in the Word of Wisdom had been his. He gave thanks to his Heavenly Father then, and throughout the remainder of his life, for the answer to his desperate prayer for help.

What Are the “Keys of the Kingdom” and Who Has Them?

            My Come, Follow Me lesson for this week took me to Doctrine and Covenants 89-93. Last week we learned about the School of the Prophets and how it was organized. This week we learn about what happened after the meetings began. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught the elders of Israel about building God’s kingdom on earth, and they discussed spiritual truths, prayed together, fasted, and prepared to teach the gospel. However, something else took place that had lasting effect upon The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

            During the meetings, the elders smoked and chewed tobacco, common behavior for the time. However, the juice from the tobacco stained the hardwood floors black and caused a strong odor to linger in the air. In 1868, President Brigham Young gave the following description of the setting in the School of the Prophets.

The brethren came to that place for hundreds of miles to attend school in a little room probably no larger than eleven by fourteen [feet, or three by four meters]. When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room; and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths, a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom weas the result of his inquiry (“Remarks,” Deseret News, Feb. 26, 1868, 18) (as quoted in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual – Religion 324-325 [2018]).

            Zebedee Coltrin, one of the participants in the School of the Prophets, reported that after the Prophet read this revelation to the brethren, they “immediately threw their tobacco and pipes into the fire” (in The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 3: February 1833-March 1834, 15, note 73) (as quoted in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual – Religion 324-325 [2018]).

            Doctrine and Covenants 89:2 tells us that the revelation did not come “by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom.” Immediately after the revelation was received, Church leaders invited the Saints to live the World of Wisdom more fully. Eighteen years later, President Brigham Young proposed during the fall general conference of 1851 that all Saints formally covenant to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco, and whiskey.

            Thirty years had passed after President Young’s proposal, and the Lord revealed to President John Taylor that the Word of Wisdom was to be considered to be a commandment (October 13, 1882). The Lord gave the Saints nearly fifty years to live the Word of Wisdom before He commanded them to live it.

            Another thirty-seven years passed (1919) the First Presidency, under the direction of President Heber J. Grant, made the observance of the Word of Wisdom a requirement for receiving a temple recommend. Obedience to the Word of Wisdom remains a requirement for attending the temple. The gradual manner in which the Lord required the Saints to live the Word of Wisdom is an example of His mercy and love for us. If the Saints had been commanded to obey it as soon as it was received, most of them would have come under condemnation. Instead, He gave them an opportunity to overcome the habits before they were commanded to do so.

            So, the Word of Wisdom – a principle with a promise – is the first principle in this lesson. The promise for living the Word of Wisdom is physical, spiritual, and mental health and safety.

The second principle for this lesson is found in Doctrine and Covenants 90: “The First Presidency holds the ‘keys of the kingdom’ (verses 2-6). When the Savior was on earth, He gave the keys of the kingdom to His ancient apostles Peter, James, and John. Many hundreds of years later, Peter, James, and John, as heavenly messengers, bestowed those same priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. These keys are “the right of presidency” (D&C 107:8), the directing power by which the priesthood is governed (see D&C 42:69; 65:2; 90:2-3).

            In the revelation recorded as Doctrine and Covenants 90, the Lord reminded the Prophet Joseph Smith that he held the keys of the kingdom and would continue to hold them in the next life. President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) explained how the priesthood keys have continued from Joseph Smith to the current living prophet in this dispensation:

That same authority which Joseph held, those same keys and powers which were the very essence of his divinely given right to preside, were by him conferred upon the Twelve Apostles with Brigham Young at their head. Every president of the Church since then has come to that most high and sacred office out of the Council of the Twelve. Each of these men has been blessed with the spirit and power of revelation from on high. There has been an unbroken chain from Joseph Smith, Jr., to [the current prophet]. Of that I bear solemn witness and testimony before you this day (quoted in Teachings of the Living Prophets [Church Education System manual, 2016], 14) (as quoted in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual – Religion 324-325 [2018].

            From my studies this week, I received confirmation that Heavenly Father feels great love and mercy for His children. The gradual implementation of the Word of Wisdom is just one example of how much we mean to Him. He gave the Saints more than eighty years from when He taught the Word of Wisdom as a word of wisdom that even the weakest of Saints could receive and the time when He commanded the Saints to live it as a law.

            I also received confirmation that the First Presidency hold “the keys of the kingdom.” The Lord will direct His Church through the administration of the First Presidency with assistance from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As I follow the Prophet and stay in the mainstream of the Church, I will be led in safety.

I Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

            I remember singing the hymn “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” as a child. It was just a song at that time, just words in the hymnal. Now that I am older, I understand better what it means to have a living prophet to guide us, and I am truly grateful to live in a day when a living prophet of God walks the earth.

            This week The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that President Thomas S. Monson will not attend General Conference this weekend due to problems with old age. I am saddened at this news but not surprised because I know that he is 90 years old and have seen the effects of old age creeping up on him.

            I know that he has curtailed his speaking assignments in the past few years. Whereas the prophet usually opens and closes the conference as well as give two longer talks, President Monson gave an abbreviated talk to the priesthood brethren and a short talk to the general membership in the past two conferences. I miss the opportunity to hear directly from the prophet.

            In preparation for conference I listened to several talks given by President Monson in recent conferences. In the October 2016 General Conference, he first spoke to the priesthood brethren about the importance of living the Word of Wisdom. 

In 1833 the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith a plan for healthy living. That plan is found in the 89^th section of the Doctrine and Covenants and is known as the Word of Wisdom. It gives specific direction regarding the food we eat, and it prohibits the use of substances which are harmful to our bodies.

Those who are obedient to the Lord’s commandments and who faithfully observe the Word of Wisdom are promised particular blessings, among which are good health and added physical stamina….

Brethren, may we care for our bodies and our minds by observing the principles set forth in the Word of Wisdom, a divinely provided plan. With all my heart and soul, I testify of the glorious blessings which await us as we do.

            The next morning President Monson spoke to the general membership of the Church on the topic of “The Perfect Path to Happiness.” 

Our Father’s plan for our happiness and our salvation is shared by our missionaries throughout the world. Not all who hear this divine message accept and embrace it. However, men and women everywhere … recognize its truths, and they plant their feet on the path that will lead them safely home. Their lives are forever changed.

Essential to the plan is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost. It is not enough, however, merely to believe in Him and His mission. We need to work and learn, search and pray, repent and improve. We need to know God’s laws and live them. We need to receive His saving ordinances. Only by so doing will we obtain true, eternal happiness.

We are blessed to have the truth. We have a mandate to share the truth. Let us live the truth, that we might merit all that the Father has for us. He does nothing save it be for our benefit. He has told us, “This is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

From the depths of my soul and in all humility, I testify of the great gift which is

our Father’s plan for us. It is the one perfect path to peace and happiness both here and in the world to come.

            In the April 2017 General Conference President Monson spoke to the priesthood brethren about the importance of having “Kindness, Charity, and Love.” He quotes Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as saying, “Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions … especially in our homes. Jesus, our Savior, was the epitome of kindness and compassion….” Then President Monson says following.

The scriptures teach us that the righteous exercise of the priesthood is dependent upon our living the principles of kindness, charity, and love….

Brethren, let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable. And as we do so, we will be in a better position to call down the powers of heaven for ourselves, for our families, and for our fellow travelers in this sometimes difficult journey back to our heavenly home.

            The next morning President Monson also spoke to the general membership of the Church on the topic “The Power of the Book of Mormon.” He gave some powerful counsel in his short address.

This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives. The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.

We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true – and I solemnly testify that it is – then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Because the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth, and the holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children.

If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far. However, once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study.

            As I am writing this post before General Conference starts in a day or so, I do not know if President Monson has prepared remarks to be read by someone else. However, I discovered that he prepared the First Presidency message in the September 2017 Ensign titled “Prophets to Guide Us.” In his article he first shares an experience of sitting in the Salt Lake Temple and gazing on the portraits of his “predecessors – from the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805-44) to President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) – I thought, `How grateful I am for the guidance of each one.’” He proceeds to share what he learned from each of his predecessors and then adds the following.

The Savior sends prophets because He loves us. During general conference this October, the General Authorities of the Church will again have the privilege of sharing His word. We approach this responsibility with great solemnity and humility.

How blessed we are that the restored Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth and that the Church is founded upon the rock of revelation. Continuous revelation is the very lifeblood of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

May we prepare to receive the personal revelation that comes in abundance during general conference. May our hearts be filled with deep determination as we raise our hands to sustain living prophets and apostles. May we be enlightened, uplifted, comforted, and strengthened as we listen to their messages. And may we be ready to recommit ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ – His gospel and His work – and to live with renewed resolve in keeping His commandments and carrying out His will.

            The four talks and the First Presidency message referenced above contain the counsel of the living Prophet of the Lord on earth today. He gives the counsel that he believes to be most important for us to know right now. That counsel is: (1) Follow the teachings of the prophets; (2) Study the Book of Mormon to gain your own testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel; (3) Be kind, loving, and charitable; (4) Live and share the truth of the Father’s plan for our happiness, and (5) Live the Word of Wisdom.

            I thank God for the great blessing of living in a day when there are living prophets to lead and guide us in the ways of the Lord. I thank God for President Monson and the counsel he has given over the past year. I am grateful to know that he represents Heavenly Father and that his greatest desire to give me the counsel that I need to prepare to return to the presence of God. I know that President Monson is a prophet. “I thank thee, O God, for a prophet!”

A Principle with a Promise

                Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live a strict health code and are well known for their obedience. This health code is formally known as the Word of Wisdom. In the early days of the Church, numerous brethren used tobacco during meetings, and the nastiness of the spittle and/or the smoke caused the Prophet Joseph Smith to ponder the situation. He then inquired of the Lord concerning it and received a revelation from God on the matter. This revelation is now known as the Word of Wisdom and is included in the Doctrine and Covenants as Section 89.

                The Lord explains in the first verse that the Word of Wisdom is given “for the benefit of the council of high priests … and also the saints in Zion.” It was given to show “the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days,” but it was not commandment when it was first given (verse 2).

                Verse 3 tells us that the Word of Wisdom is “a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.” In verse 4 the Lord explains that this word of wisdom was given as a warning against “evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days.” We recognize many of those evil designs in our day.

                The Lord then proceeds to explain that “wine or strong drink” should not be used in the sacrament or taken into the body, but they should be used to wash the body (verses 5-7). Strong drinks are understood to be those with alcohol in them. “Tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man but it is “an herb for bruises and all sick cattle” and should be “used with judgment and skill” (verse 8). One of my sons had a bicycle accident while on his mission and had a terrible bruise. A member of the Church put a poultice made of tobacco on his bruise, and it healed quickly.

                In verse 9 the Lord warns against “hot drinks,” known at the time as coffee and tea but could include the dangers of drinking anything that is too hot. Obedience to the Word of Wisdom now excludes the use of all illegal drugs and the misuse of all legal drugs.

                After His warning about strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks, the Lord proceeds to give instructions about

“wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man” (verse 10). The Lord says that “Every herb” and “every fruit” should be used “in the season thereof; all these with prudence and thanksgiving” (verse 11). He states that the “flesh” of beasts and fowls is “ordained for the use of man” and are to be used with “thanksgiving” and “sparingly” – “only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine” (verses 12-13). “All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life” (verse 14). “All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground” (verse 16).

                After His explanation of what we should avoid and what we can use, the Lord concludes His revelation by explaining how the Word of Wisdom is a principle with a promise. “And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen” (verses 18-21).

                The importance of living the Word of Wisdom was emphasized by President Thomas S. Monson in the October 2016 General Conference. “Those who are obedient to the Lord’s commandments and who faithfully observe the Word of Wisdom are promised particular blessings, among which are good health and added physical stamina.” 

                President Monson then proceeds to share the experience of John A. Larsen in World War II. During a battle in the Philippines, orders were given to evacuate before Japanese bombers and kamikaze fighter planes arrived. Four men, including Larsen, “gathered their gear and hurried to the beach, hoping for a lift out to one of the departing ships. Fortunately, a landing craft picked them up and sped toward the last ship leaving the bay. The men on that departing ship, in an effort to evacuate as quickly as possible, were busy on deck and had time only to throw ropes to the four men….”

                Larsen was carrying a heavy radio on his back and trying to climb a 40-foot rope. He was only a third of the way up the rope when his arms began to burn with pain. He “silently cried unto God, telling Him that he had always kept the Word of Wisdom and had lived a clean life – and he now desperately needed the promised blessings. He later shared that “as he finished his prayer, he felt a great surge of strength. He began climbing once again and fairly flew up the rope. When he reached the deck, his breathing was normal and not the least bit labored. The blessings of added health and stamina promised in the Word of Wisdom had been his….”

                I know that the promise of the Word of Wisdom is for all of us. If we are obedient to this law, I know that we can call upon God for the blessings of living it. 

The Lord's Law of Health

                We lived in heaven a long time ago with our Heavenly Father and learned of our Father’s plan of happiness for His children.  Part of that plan was coming to earth to receive a physical body because we needed bodies in order to become like our Father.  Our physical bodies are great and important blessings, and the Lord calls them temples of God (see 1 Corinthians 3:17). 

                Our bodies are holy and important to the plan of God.  Our Father in Heaven commands us to take good care of our bodies in a pleasing manner before Him.  He knows that we will be happier and better people if we are healthy.  The Spirit of God can be with us if our bodies are clean.

                Our Father knows that we face many temptations with regard to our bodies; we are tempted to do things to our bodies and to take harmful substances into our bodies.  To help us keep our bodies healthy, He told us which things are good for our health and which things should be avoided.  Much of this information concerning good health is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89, which is known as the Word of Wisdom or the Lord’s law of health.    If we do not live the Word of Wisdom, we lose two great blessings – (1) The Lord’s Spirit cannot dwell with us and (2) we cannot enter the temple.

                In the Word of Wisdom the Lord commands us to avoid wine and strong drinks – meaning drinks that contain alcohol.  President Heber J. Grant taught that strong drink brings serious problems into the home; these problems include cruelty, poverty, disease, plague, dishonesty, loss of chastity, and loss of good judgment (see “Message of the First Presidency,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1942, p. 686, as quoted in Gospel Principles, pp. 138-139).  Expectant mothers are counseled strongly to avoid alcohol because physical and mental damage to their children.  Many car accidents are caused by people who drink alcohol and then drive.

                The Lord also commands us to avoid the use of tobacco because it is harmful to our bodies and spirits.  We should not smoke cigarettes or cigars or use chewing tobacco.  Scientists have proven that tobacco use causes cancer and other diseases.

                The Lord also commands us to avoid the use of “hot drinks.”  Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have said this means coffee and tea.  Coffee and tea contain harmful drugs and should be avoided.  We should also avoid all drinks that contain harmful drugs.

                Through modern prophets the Lord has commanded us to avoid all drugs except those necessary as medicine.  President Spencer W. Kimball warned that the drug habit is often more harmful than the use of alcohol.  He said that people who misuse drugs – including legal, prescribed drugs – should repent of this habit.

                In fact, we should avoid the use of anything that is harmful to our bodies or substances that are habit forming.  The Word of Wisdom does not tell us all things to avoid, but it gives us guidelines to follow.  The Word of Wisdom is both a valuable temporal law and a great spiritual law.  We can become stronger spiritually by obedience to the Word of Wisdom because our bodies are purified when the Spirit of the Lord dwells in us.

                The Word of Wisdom also tells us that certain things are good for our bodies.  It lists fruits, vegetables, and wholesome herbs as being good for us as we use them with wisdom and thanksgiving.  The flesh of birds and animals is also provided for us to eat “sparingly” (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:12 and 49:18) and fish is good for man.  Grains are good for us, particularly wheat, and can be used to make mild drinks.

                The Word of Wisdom does not contain all the counsel of the Lord that helps us to be healthy.  Other scriptures tell us to “cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; … cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and minds may be invigorated” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:124).  We are also told “Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work” (Exodus 20:9) and to not labor more than we have strength (see Doctrine and Covenants 10:4).

                President Joseph F. Smith told us that we “should learn to keep their bodies healthy by right living…, by inhaling pure air, taking plenty of exercise, and bathing … often in fresh water” (Gospel Doctrine, p. 241, as quoted in Gospel Principles, p. 140).

                God gave us laws concerning our physical health to teach us how to take good care of our bodies.  His scriptures tell us, “No temporal commandment gave I … for my commandments are spiritual” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:35).  This means that all scriptures concerning our physical bodies are for our spiritual good.

                The Lord blesses us physically and spiritually when we keep His law of health and obey all His commandments.  He promises us good physical health and the ability to “run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18, 20).  This is truly a great blessing, but spiritual blessings are even greater.

                The Lord promises us that we “shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:19) and taught important truths by the Holy Ghost through revelation.  Another blessing of obeying the Word of Wisdom is the promise that the destroying angel shall pass us by.  President Spencer W. Kimball taught that this means that we will be saved from spiritual death:  “For observing the Word of Wisdom the reward is life, not only prolonged mortal life but life eternal” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 211, as quoted in Gospel Principles, p. 141).

Word of Wisdom

                    Obedience to the Word of Wisdom provides spiritual blessings as well as good health.  All people, even those with little or no knowledge of modern revelation, can become healthier by observing the principles of the Word of Wisdom.  Obedience to the Word of Wisdom develops and strengthens the body and the mind, and its principles apply to everyone.  But the Word of Wisdom is much more than a health plan.  Those who are obedient to it are promised "treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:19).  The "treasures" spoken of in the Word of Wisdom are blessings.

                    The Word of Wisdom is Heavenly Father's plan to protect our bodies.  When we purchase new vehicles or appliances,

the manufacturer provides instructions on the care and maintenance of the machine.  We can expect better performance and longer use of the vehicle or appliance when we follow the recommended instructions.

                    The human body is a wonderful machine.  It can repair itself when it has minor breakdowns, it has automatic "windshield wipers" and an automatic cooling system, and it usually works more efficiently the more it is used.  The "owner's manual" for this wonderful "machine" is called the Word of Wisdom.  The Creator of our bodies gave us instructions on how to care for our bodies.

                    If we follow these instructions, many of which are included in the Word of Wisdom, we can expect better performance from our bodies and minds.  This does not mean that we will never get sick or that our bodies will never need repairs, but the Lord will bless us as we try to keep our bodies in good condition.

                    Satan seeks to destroy us and our happiness, and he sets spiritual traps for us, many of which involve the Word of Wisdom.  He lies to entice us into these traps, but he has no intention of keeping his promises.  To get us to disobey the Word of Wisdom, Satan promises us that doing so will bring us desirable things.  For example, he tells us that drinking or using drugs will make us beautiful or popular or make us feel good.  But disobeying the Word of Wisdom will never bring lasting beauty, popularity, or happiness.  It is a trap that will ultimately cause pain and unhappiness.

                    The heading of Doctrine and Covenants 89 states: "Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833.  HC [History of the Church] 1:327-329.  As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it.  This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result.  The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet."

                    This section is summarized as follows:  "1-9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10-17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18-21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings."  

                    In other words, the section is divided into three groups:  1) Do use:  grains, herbs (plants, especially vegetables), and meat (sparingly); 2) Do not use:  wine, strong drinks (alcohol), tobacco, and hot drinks (tea and coffee); 3) Blessings of living righteously.

                    The Word of Wisdom does not mention everything that is harmful.  For example, there is no mention of drugs, either legal or illegal; however, prophets and medical experts have taught us that drugs are harmful when used outside of specific medicinal purposes.  The message of the Word of Wisdom is to avoid all substances that are harmful to our bodies.

                    The Lord has given other revelations in modern times concerning how to care for our bodies.  Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 states:  "Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated."

                    Doctrine and Covenants 10:4 states:  "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means…."

                    Doctrine and Covenants 89:4 warns us against "conspiring men" or dishonest people who would attempt to lure others into harmful or evil practices in the last days.  I believe that companies and corporations advertise in such a way as to tempt us to smoke, use alcohol, and other substances that are harmful to us.  Consider the average beer commercial.  Many advertisements for beer show glamorous people and places, suggesting acceptance and popularity to all who use their products; other advertisements show good-looking people having lots of fun, suggesting that people have more fun because they drink beer.  You may notice that the advertisements ignore the harmful effects of the products they sell; beer advertisements never show people getting drunk, vomiting all over their friends, or causing automobile accidents.

The Word of Wisdom was given more than 150 years ago, but it applies directly to our time.  In 1833, the advertising methods we see today were unknown.  There were no computers, Internet, radios or televisions and printed material was limited.  Since that time, advertising has become commonplace.  People who are concerned only with making money often use sophisticated advertising to sell bad products as well as good ones.  Much advertising is aimed directly at young people, trying to convince them that harmful substances and products are commonplace and acceptable.

                    When the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom in 1833, he knew what practices would develop in our time.  He gave us this revelation to help us know the truth about what things are and what things are not good for our bodies and spirits.

                    Who hasn't heard of the discovery of a "hidden treasure," such as a valuable book or work of art that had been stored in an attic, a sunken ship carrying gold, or an ancient tomb filled with rare artifacts and precious gems?  I remember as a child following "maps" to find "hidden treasures." 

                    Our Heavenly Father has given us a plan of how we can find hidden treasures of physical health as well as spiritual wealth.  The Word of Wisdom contains promises of great treasures or blessings available to those who live its principles.  At the time the Word of Wisdom was revealed, most people did not know about the unhealthful effects of products such as tobacco and alcohol.  Today, scientists have confirmed what the Lord told Joseph Smith over 150 years ago, and many people avoid such products in order to live more healthfully.  The physical advantages of obeying the Word of Wisdom are the same for those who believe in the revelation and those who do not.  However, those who obey the Word of Wisdom because it is a commandment of God receive additional spiritual blessings.

                    Some of the blessings that come as a result of obeying the Word of Wisdom are as follows:  1) Physical health:  Your body will be more resistant to disease and weakness; 2) Emotional health:  You will have less stress and guilt and more peace of mind;

3) Health for your descendants:  Your children will be free from inherited deformities and weaknesses caused by drug abuse, smoking, and drinking; 4) Faith:  Your faith will be strengthened as you see that the Lord blesses those who obey; 5) Spiritual sensitivity:  You will be better able to receive and follow inspiration from the Holy Ghost; 6) Freedom:  You will not be a slave to drug abuse or other addictive habits; 7) Wisdom and knowledge:  You will have a clear mind, the desire to learn, and the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood; you will perform better in school and employment; 8) Self-discipline:  You will be in control of yourself and will strengthen your ability to say no to people or things that would harm you; 9) Financial advantage:  You will not spend money on cigarettes, liquor, or other harmful substances; you will not need to pay medical expenses caused by use of these substances; 10) Ability to serve:  You will not cause harm to others (by driving drunk, smoking around them, and so on); you will have the health and strength necessary to serve others.)

                    I received a great testimony of the value of the Word of Wisdom recently.  My husband and I were in a doctor's office for help with a health problem my husband is currently having.  One of the first questions the doctor asked us was, "Are you LDS?"  We confirmed that we are LDS and asked why he would pose the question and what difference did it make.  He answered, "Because you are LDS and live the Word of Wisdom, we can rule out several problems that would be caused by tobacco or alcohol use."  Since my husband was in pain and had blood drawn several different times for testing, it was helpful to be able to rule out as many problems as possible.

                    I know that living the principles found in the Word of Wisdom is important if we want physical health and spiritual wealth.  I know that when we obey the Word of Wisdom we can receive the physical and spiritual blessings promised.

Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom is the Lord's law for having good health. The entire law is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89, and it was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, on February 27, 1833. The Prophet was pondering about the practice of some of the early brethren's use of tobacco in their meetings, and he inquired of the Lord what he should do. This revelation was the result of his prayers. The Word of Wisdom was given as a protection from wicked men who sell products to make money without concern for the health of their customers. Since the time the Word of Wisdom was given, science has discovered the evils that are involved in using tobacco of any kind, abuse of legal or illegal drugs, and drinking coffee, tea, or alcohol beverages.

When the Word of Wisdom was first given, it was given as counsel for the benefit of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not as commandment or constraint. It was given for a "principle with promise" and was "adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all…." A few years later, obedience to the Word of Wisdom became a requirement for being baptized, holding Church offices and entering the temple.
One of the purposes for coming to earth is to receive physical bodies to house our spirits. A physical body is one of the greatest blessings we have because we must have a physical body to become like our Heavenly Father. The Lord places so much importance on physical bodies that He calls them temples (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). He considers our bodies as being holy, and He wants us to treat them as holy.

Because of the importance of our bodies, Heavenly Father wants us to take good care of them. He wants us to be happy and knows that healthy bodies bring more happiness. He also wants us to stay worthy to receive the Holy Ghost by keeping our bodies and minds clean. He knew that we would be tempted to treat our bodies unwisely or to partake of harmful things; therefore, He told us which things are good for our bodies and which are bad for them. This information concerning good health is contained in the Word of Wisdom.

Obedience to the Word of Wisdom helps us to stay worthy to enter the Lord's temple and to enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost. Disobedience to this law causes the Lord's Spirit to withdraw from us and causes damage to ourselves physically and spiritually.

The Lord revealed that there are certain things that we should not take into our bodies. He commanded us to not use wine or strong drinks (drinks containing alcohol). The use of strong drinks often causes cruelty, poverty, and disease to enter our homes. It often is the cause of dishonesty, loss of chastity, and loss of good judgment and is always a curse to those who drink it. Use of alcohol by expectant mothers can cause physical and mental damage to their unborn children. Drivers under the influence of alcohol cause many automobile accidents each year.

The Lord also revealed that "tobacco is not for the body" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:8) because it is harmful to our bodies and our spirits. Scientists have shown that tobacco causes many diseases and can harm unborn children. We should not smoke cigarette or cigars, or use chewing tobacco. Any form of tobacco taken into our bodies is harmful. Even being around those who smoke tobacco can cause health problems for non-users.

The Lord counsels us against the use of "hot drinks" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:9), meaning coffee and tea, which contain harmful substances. Wisdom requires us to avoid all drinks that contain harmful substances.

Wisdom dictates that we should not use drugs except when they are medically necessary. Some drugs are even more destructive than alcohol and tobacco, which are also drugs. Anyone who misuses drugs should seek help, pray for strength, and counsel with their bishop in order to fully repent and become clean.

In the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, we should avoid anything that we know is harmful to our bodies. We should not use any substance that is habit forming. We should avoid overeating and any foods that cause allergic reactions. The Word of Wisdom gives us guidelines, but it does not tell us everything to avoid or consume. It is a law that is valuable physically but also spiritually. By obedience to the Word of Wisdom, we become stronger spiritually. This law helps us to purify our bodies in order to have the Spirit of the Lord dwell with us.

The Lord also revealed that there are certain things that are good for us. These foods include fruits, vegetables and wholesome herbs, which should be used with wisdom and thanksgiving. The Lord has said that the flesh of birds and animals is provided for our food but should be eaten sparingly. Fish is also good for us. Grains, especially wheat, are good for us.

The Lord has revealed other ways to keep our bodies healthy. We are taught to "cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; … cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:124). We are also told, "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work" (Exodus 20:9) and to not labor more than we have strength (Doctrine and Covenants 10:4).

President Thomas S. Monson told us that we should keep our bodies healthy. He said, "Nutritious meals, regular exercise, and appropriate sleep are necessary for a strong body, just as consistent scripture study and prayer strengthen the mind and spirit" (Ensign, November 1990, p. 46).

When the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom to teach us how to care for our bodies, He also promised blessings for doing so. He said, "No temporal commandment gave I …, for my commandments are spiritual" (Doctrine and Covenants 29:35), meaning that His commandments concerning our physical bodies are for our spiritual good. Keeping the Lord's law of health and obeying His other commandments brings promised blessings physically and spiritually.

We are promised good health physically, which helps us to "run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:20). Physical health is a great blessing, but the promised spiritual blessings are even greater.

God promises us that we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:19), meaning that we will be taught important truths through revelation by the Holy Ghost. President Boyd K. Packer taught, "Our physical body is the instrument of our spirit. In that marvelous revelation the Word of Wisdom, we are told how to keep our bodies free from impurities which might dull, even destroy, those delicate physical senses which have to do with spiritual communication. The Word of Wisdom is a key to individual revelation" (Ensign, November 1989, p. 14).

The Lord also promises that the destroying angel will pass by us. President Heber J. Grant said, "If you and I desire the blessings of life, of health, of vigor of body and mind; if we desire the destroying angel to pass us by, as he did in the days of the children of Israel, we must obey the Word of Wisdom; then God is bound, and the blessing shall come to us" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant [2002], p. 192).

I know that living the Word of Wisdom brings blessings to us. I know that avoiding harmful substances, including too much food, makes my body healthier. I know that too little sleep makes me tired and too much sleep makes me groggy. I know that I enjoy more closeness to God because I keep my mind and body clean.

Word of Wisdom

The Lord's law for good health is called the Word of Wisdom. When we came to earth, we received physical bodies. A physical body is one of the greatest blessings we have because we must have a physical body to become like our Heavenly Father. The Lord places so much importance on physical bodies that He calls them temples (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). He considers our bodies as being holy. Because of the importance of our bodies, Heavenly Father wants us to take good care of them. He wants us to be happy and knows that healthy bodies bring more happiness. He also wants us to stay worthy to receive the Holy Ghost by keeping our bodies and minds clean. He knew that we would be tempted to treat our bodies unwisely or to partake of harmful things; therefore, He told us which things are good for our bodies and which are bad for them. This information concerning good health is contained in the Word of Wisdom, which is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Obedience to the Word of Wisdom helps us to stay worthy to enter the Lord's temple and to enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost. Disobedience to this law causes the Lord's Spirit to withdraw from us and causes damage to ourselves physically and spiritually. The Lord revealed that there are certain things that we should not take into our bodies. He commanded us to not use wine or strong drinks (drinks containing alcohol). The use of strong drinks often causes cruelty, poverty, and disease to enter our homes. It often is the cause of dishonesty, loss of chastity, and loss of good judgment and is always a curse to those who drink it. Use of alcohol by expectant mothers can cause physical and mental damage to their unborn children. Drivers under the influence of alcohol cause many automobile accidents each year. The Lord also revealed that "tobacco is not for the body" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:8) because it is harmful to our bodies and our spirits. Scientists have shown that tobacco causes many diseases and can harm unborn children. We should not smoke cigarette or cigars, or use chewing tobacco. Any form of tobacco taken into our bodies is harmful. Even being around those who smoke tobacco can cause health problems for non-users. The Lord counsels us against the use of "hot drinks" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:9), meaning coffee and tea, which contain harmful substances. Wisdom requires us to avoid all drinks that contain harmful substances. Wisdom dictates that we should not use drugs except when they are medically necessary. Some drugs are even more destructive than alcohol and tobacco, which are also drugs. Anyone who misuses drugs should seek help, pray for strength, and counsel with their bishop in order to fully repent and become clean. In the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, we should avoid anything that we know is harmful to our bodies. We should not use any substance that is habit forming. We should avoid overeating and any foods that cause allergic reactions. The Word of Wisdom gives us guidelines, but it does not tell us everything to avoid or consume. It is a law that is valuable physically but also spiritually. By obedience to the Word of Wisdom, we become stronger spiritually. This law helps us to purify our bodies in order to have the Spirit of the Lord dwell with us. The Lord also revealed that there are certain things that are good for us. These foods include fruits, vegetables and wholesome herbs, which should be used with wisdom and thanksgiving. The Lord has said that the flesh of birds and animals is provided for our food but should be eaten sparingly. Fish is also good for us. Grains, especially wheat, are good for us. The Lord has revealed other ways to keep our bodies healthy. We are taught to "cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; … cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:124). We are also told, "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work" (Exodus 20:9) and to not labor more than we have strength (Doctrine and Covenants 10:4). President Thomas S. Monson told us that we should keep our bodies healthy. He said, "Nutritious meals, regular exercise, and appropriate sleep are necessary for a strong body, just as consistent scripture study and prayer strengthen the mind and spirit" (Ensign, November 1990, p. 46). When the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom to teach us how to care for our bodies, He also promised blessings for doing so. He said, "No temporal commandment gave I …, for my commandments are spiritual" (Doctrine and Covenants 29:35), meaning that His commandments concerning our physical bodies are for our spiritual good. Keeping the Lord's law of health and obeying His other commandments brings promised blessings physically and spiritually. We are promised good health physically, which helps us to "run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:20). Physical health is a great blessing, but the promised spiritual blessings are even greater. God promises us that we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:19), meaning that we will be taught important truths through revelation by the Holy Ghost. President Boyd K. Packer taught, "Our physical body is the instrument of our spirit. In that marvelous revelation the Word of Wisdom, we are told how to keep our bodies free from impurities which might dull, even destroy, those delicate physical senses which have to do with spiritual communication. The Word of Wisdom is a key to individual revelation" (Ensign, November 1989, p. 14). The Lord also promises that the destroying angel will pass by us. President Heber J. Grant said, "If you and I desire the blessings of life, of health, of vigor of body and mind; if we desire the destroying angel to pass us by, as he did in the days of the children of Israel, we must obey the Word of Wisdom; then God is bound, and the blessing shall come to us" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant [2002], p. 192). I know that living the Word of Wisdom brings blessings to us. I know that avoiding harmful substances, including too much food, makes my body healthier. I know that too little sleep makes me tired and too much sleep makes me groggy. I know that I enjoy more closeness to God because I keep my mind and body clean.