The Word of Wisdom

“The Word of Wisdom is “adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints” (D&C 89:3). It is buttressed by other scriptures. They teach that the good things of the earth “are made for the benefit and the use of man, … Yea,” the Lord said, “for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul, … to be used, with judgment,not to excess, neither by extortion” 
(D&C 59:18–20).”

(Boyd k. Packer , General Conference , 1996 )

“Honor the principle of the Word of Wisdom and you will receive the promised blessings. “All saints,” the revelation promises, “who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments,” are promised that they “shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones” and“shall run and not be weary, and shall   walk and  not faint” (D&C 89:18, 20).”

(Boyd k. Packer , General Conference , 1996 )

“When you were confirmed a member of the Church,you had  conferred upon you the gift of the Holy Ghost.“Know ye not,”  Paul wrote, “that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you … ?”
 (1 Cor. 6:19).”

(Boyd k. Packer , General Conference , 1996 )

“Surely the Word of Wisdom was given so that you may keep the delicate, sensitive, spiritual part of your nature on proper alert. Learn to “listen” to your feelings. You will be guided and warned and taught and blessed.”

(Boyd k. Packer , General Conference , 1996 )

“Another scripture counsels, “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” (D&C 88:124).”

(Boyd k. Packer , General Conference , 1996 )

“Scientific studies have confirmed that Latter-day Saints have less incidence of heart problems, all forms of cancer, and other diseases because of their adherence to the Word of Wisdom.

These studies have demonstrated that not only will one live a longer life, but also that the quality of one’s life will be better.

The Word of Wisdom is one of the evidences of the inspiration of 

Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling.”

(Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, 1983)

“The Word of Wisdom is a law—a principle with promise.If we obey the provisions of the law, we receive the promises. If we do not, there will be both temporal and spiritual consequences.”

(Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, 1983)

“The Word of Wisdom allows us to know that the Lord is vitally concerned about the health of His Saints. He has graciously given us counsel for improving our health,endurance, and  resistance to many diseases.”

(Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, 1983)

“Living the commandments of God is a condition of worthiness for entrance into the House of the Lord.There wisdom and “great treasures of   knowledge” are given that relate to our  happiness in this life and joy throughout eternity.”

(Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, 1983)

“The Holy Ghost abides with those who honor, respect, and obey God’s laws. And it is that Spirit which gives inspiration to the individual. Humbly I testify to the reality of this promise.

There is another part of this revelation that constitutes a pertinent warning to this modern generation: “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.” (D&C 89:4.)

The Lord foresaw the situation of today when motives for money  would cause men to conspire to entice others to take noxious substances into their bodies.Advertisements which promote beer, wine,  liquors, coffee, tobacco, and other harmful substances are examples of what the Lord foresaw. But the most pernicious example of an evil conspiracy in our time is those who induce young people into the use of drugs.”

Position: I am thankful that the Lord has given us laws and instructions on how we can best be healthy. I find it to be a great testimony strengthener to know that the saints were given these instructions long before researchers and doctors came out with the negative affects of some of these things. I know that Father in Heaven loves all of His children and He desires us to take care of our bodies, as our bodies are a temple. When we learn to take care of our bodies we are in essence respecting the gift of life that we have been given. We are showing our humility and trust in God when we keep the Word of Wisdom.

Application: As I made it a goal to live the Word of Wisdom more fully, I began keeping specific goals about what time I go to bed, and what time I wake up. I also began eating healthier food and caring for my body better by taking vitamins.