Unhealthy addictions getting you down? The Word of Wisdom may be the cure.
It is traditional to pass along "Words of Wisdom In A Jar" to a new bride and groom. We try to do the same with "Morsels of Wisdom" on every page. For those who are familiar with the "Word of Wisdom" we hope to inspire better adherance to this law of health as well - a law given in the 1800's, by revelation, to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In our day of false advertising, zero calorie promises and bleached flour, it seems that many of us who strive to live by this law fall short. We are left to ponder if the diet related problems that many experience could be avoided or alleviated if we truly lived this law as God intended. I am grateful to a mom who raised me with the Word of Wisdom, as I have been blessed with health, strength and immunity all my life. I wish the same blessings on others, so for those who have similar healthy interests, here are a few thoughts about living this law to the best of our ability.
A DISCUSSION OF THE WORD OF WISDOM D&C SECTION 89
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3 Given for a principle with promise... 4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation 5-7 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. 8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill. 9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. 10-11 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man- Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. 12-13 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. 14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth; 15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. 16-17 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-Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain. 18-20 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. 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. -- |
Disclaimer
I am not an official representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please don't consider any comments on this page to be doctrine - just my humble opinions! |
Every law that God gives comes with a corresponding blessing. In this case, blessings of health are promised. Could "Evils & Designs" refer to zero calorie promises, fad diets, the sale of addictive products GMO's and drugs motived more by profit than health concerns? And isn't it awesome to know that God cares about our health enough to give us a health law specifically for our modern day? The Old Testament also warns against strong drink. And for those who say that Jesus drank wine, Holy Land historians explain that during the time of Christ, with no refrigeration, there were many fermented drinks, about 12 different types of "wine," and most had little to no alcohol. Jesus most likely enjoyed lightly fermented drinks like homemade Ginger Ale and Kefir, which are nourishing, tasty & non-alchoholic when prepared correctly. The W.o.W. was given in a time when smoking was considered healthy. Interesting to note that smoking marijuana is now seen as being medicinal, when there is little discussion about safer ways to use this and other herbs with "judgement and skill." Cannabis tinctures were found in every drug store in America, and were safer than aspirin. But smoking the plant poses dangers, which led to it becoming outlawed. In the early 1800's, hot drinks were coffee & tea, both of which contain addictive caffeine & acids harsh for digestion. Herbal teas not made with the actual tea leaf (used in black & green tea) are considered medicinal. The Book of Mormon (Alma 46:40) also says... And there were some who died with fevers...but not so much... because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases... Though some are fearful of using medicinal herbs, they would seem to be included, to be used with prudence or good judgement. It seems medical science finally agrees, since heart disease has been on the rise ever since the government started subsidizing meat production. Perhaps it won't be long before meat is considered a side dish next to a full plate of vegetables? I think it was this verse that inspired me to start researching traditional ways of making bread. Should we really believe that grains are bad for us, or have we simply damaged our digestion and created allergic reactions to gluten by eating improperly prepared grains for so long? Ancient cultures didn't quick-rise their bread. They soaked, sprouted and fermented the grains with homemade yeast! And it's not hard, so why don't we? Verse 15 has created some confusion, but the footnote clarifies that the verse is not talking about grains. "These" refers to animals mentioned in the last phrase. Some translate this to mean that we should be vegetarian, at least in times of plenty. This verse seems to emphasize using each fruit or grain with wisdom. Some are better for animals. Some grains should not be overused, especially if GMO or not properly prepared, right? Is Wonder Bread really a grain? Again, mild homemade drinks are mentioned, non-alcoholic when prepared with prudence. Sounds similar to D&C 130:21. And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. But we must first have the faith to live it. Amazing that the blessings promised are not just good health, but wisdom and treasures of knowledge. Good health is a treasure in itself. The dentist said my healthy teeth are a treasure! The "destroying angel" sounds a lot like a plague that wiped out Egypt. This reference makes it pretty clear that as the blood of the Lamb (faith in Christ) protected the Israelites, this health law can similarly protect us from plagues that are foretold in latter days. |
Wisdom is knowing how to use the knowledge you've picked up along the way