The Word of Wisdom

In light of all the diet fads, health trends, chronic illness factors, and general confusion about what we should be eating (or not), smoking (or not), drinking (or not), I take great comfort in the words of the Lord in our day concerning health. I'm quoting directly from Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, and inserting my opinions:

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—

How interesting to note, this is directed to the church and that the rest of the world is not held accountable to live the Word of Wisdom. It seems that the Word of Wisdom will be one of the factors that distinguish the Saints from the rest of the world.

 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—

Since that time, the Word of Wisdom has become a commandment and all members of the church are expected to live it. It is very clear that this is intended for our temporal salvation. Our bodies at this time may be mortal and temporary, but we are accountable for the way we treat our bodies. One day we will have immortal bodies, and possibly a new and higher standard of health to maintain those immortal bodies. Consider this time on Earth with, mortal bodies, practice for the time when we will have immortal bodies.

 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.

This should be easy. Stop complaining about how hard it is. It’s not complicated. There’s no food pyramid, no calories to count, and no worries about portion sizes. I’m not saying you shouldn't be concerned about diet and nutrition, but it doesn't need to be the fad prone cult science that it is today.

 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—

Did you read that? Has anyone read that?! Sometimes I can’t believe how naïve people are about poison, addiction, and drugs of recreational, prescription, and OTC types. Anyone who stands to gain from your broken health, addiction, or death should be treated with caution.

Pharmaceutical companies and doctors: Every doctor I've ever spoken to seemed sincere in their desires to assist people in maintaining or gaining health, and relieving pain. They can be trusted, but it should be a verified trust. If a doctor diagnoses you with a major, chronic, or terminal condition, get a second opinion. Just do it.

Food and drug manufacturers do stand to gain from your addiction. Period. Some call it brand loyalty, and in many cases it is true. I have favorite brands too, but I still treat store bought food with caution and try to make things at home as much as reasonably possible. As for drugs, it’s a “no” if I can find a gentle herbal remedy, or if I can correct the issue with my health through diet and exercise.

I’ve written about the less obvious. I’m sure you can work out how unhealthy it is to buy stuff from known enemies.

 5 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.

That’s pretty clear. Alcohol can be terribly addictive, impairs our judgment and coordination, and can bring out the worst in us. In time, alcohol can destroy one's health.

 6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

We use water in the sacrament today. By way of illustration as to why, turn back a few sections: Doctrine and Covenants, section 27

“2 For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.

“ 3 Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies;

 “4 Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new

among you; yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.”

Never take wine from your enemies, in fact, don't drink at all. Alcohol is easily drugged or poisoned. Ever hear of the "date rape" drug? It's usually snuck into an alcoholic drink. For further elaboration read the Book of Mormon, Alma chapter 55, in which wine becomes a weapon of war. 

 7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

In Joseph Smith’s time, sanitation was a loosely understood science, if conceived of at all; but now nearly everyone knows that alcohol kills bacteria. It sure is nice to know about sanitation if you've been mucking out the barn and then have to go home and make dinner.

 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.

The Lord was way ahead of mankind in understanding the damage that smoking and chewing tobacco does to the human body, yet he left to us some proper uses for it.

 9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

No one has ever been able to convince me that pouring boiling hot liquid down one’s throat is wholesome in any way. That said, coffee and tea are not the demonic drink of death. Most people can drink these things every day and still live healthy productive lives. Get over it.

In my opinion, the problem lays in that it’s a socially accepted addiction. In fact, it’s celebrated. Morning coffee, noon coffee, afternoon tea/coffee, late night espresso, tea ceremony, tea party… the list goes on. The same is said for social drinking and partying. It’s such a fundamental part of our worldly culture. The Lord has asked us to separate ourselves from the worldly ways and attitudes, and to be distinct. He uses the word “peculiar” when he describes His people. When people think of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the first things they think of is that we don’t drink tea, coffee, or alcohol, and that we don’t smoke; and that’s a good thing. We are “peculiar”.

General Conference, April 1996 Boyd K. Packer

"In some cultures, native drinks are claimed to be harmless because they are not specifically mentioned in the revelation. Yet they draw members, particularly men, away from their families to parties which certainly offend the principle. Promises made in the revelation will be denied to the careless or the reckless."

It is important, even if you don't necessarily view something as dangerous, to avoid that which the Lord commands us not to touch. 

 10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

Remember that Lord stipulated the proper use of tobacco? Every plant has uses that benefit us in one way or another.

 11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

I appreciate that the Lord specified that they are to be used in season. The preservation process destroys most of the virtues of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. If it comes in a box, bag, or jar; it has been preserved, often with much more salt and/or sugar than is healthy. There are almost always chemical additives to protect or enhance the flavor of preserved food. If you find something in the ingredient list that you can't pronounce, don't know what it is, or can not buy it without a special license, you probably shouldn't be eating it. As a little girl Mom always told me not to put strange things in my mouth. I don't think the advise should change just because I am an adult.

 12 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;

A vegan diet is unnatural for mankind, there are a number of nutrients we simply do not absorb as well from plants as we do from meat and animal products, but we should not overdo it. The Lord did not give us the animals to just wantonly kill and devour.

 13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

Does this require elaboration? This doesn't mean vegan. We have plenty of milk and eggs, and most places have access to fish. We won't starve or go malnourished if we don’t have beef every night.

 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 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—

 17 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.

Lifted from here

The grain section (sigh): People are in a panic about grains, especially wheat, as if carbohydrates and gluten are the most evil food products, second only to partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening. Unless you have celiac disease, be suspicious of any diet that cuts grains, especially wheat. Mankind has cultivated and eaten wheat and bread since before the written record begins. I will, however, give this caveat: Our modern methods of processing grains and making breads are foreign.

It used to be we simply ground the grain into flour and within a matter of hours mixed the flour into dough. Depending on the culture and leavening style, the dough was left either overnight to rise, or up to several weeks to ferment before being cooked into bread. Today, the grain is dissected, stripped of most of its nutrients, ground, synthetic nutrients are added back in. If yeast is even used at all, it is rushed and barely has time to render the dough so that the bread is edible after baking. As for having the time necessary to break down the villainous gluten that so many blame for their seeming health problems, ha! Too bad.

I’m not a purist. My family does have a few favorite store and restaurant bought breads; but most of our bread is made at home. I know what’s in it, and I control the leavening process.

Before cutting wheat and bread from anyone’s diet, so long as that person is not in life threatening danger from celiac disease, consider doing with wheat and grains what your ancestors did.

 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;

How would you like to not get sick, or at least not be as sick?

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

Wouldn't school, work, and any learning or problem solving situation be better with good health?

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

Wouldn't you like to be in better shape? I don’t know anyone who wants otherwise.

 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.

Amen.

You can't depend on grocery stores, and drug stores, and doctors for every little health need. The Lord gave us clear guidelines on how to live a healthy life. Of course not everyone is going to have perfect bodies, perfect immune systems, and perfect health. Sometimes illness, disease, injury, or chronic conditions strike and it's no one's fault; but all of us have something we can do better.

This is my testimony of the Word of Wisdom: as long as I have kept it, I have been alert to the promptings of the Lord.  So far, my life as been as turbulent and dangerous as any other. I expect to die at some point (hopefully not very soon); but, the "destroying angel", as mentioned above, has not been able to break or destroy my spirit. The influence of evil has passed by me time and time again, while striking down many around me. I attribute that, in large part, to my obedience to the Word of Wisdom. I am alert, strong, and aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit. He have been guided through deep water, dark woods, car accidents, raucous parties, temporary sickness, and emotional upheaval. Today I teach the Word of Wisdom, in both principal and practice, to my children and we are enjoying the fruits of health, peace of mind and body, and the Lord's blessings on our home and family. I can testify, that if you follow the Word of Wisdom, your mind will be clear and your health will improve. I say that, in Jesus name, Amen.

Suggested reading: April 1996 General Conference, Boyd K. Packer:

The Word of Wisdom, The Principle and the Promises

The "Ordain Women" Thing

Before I attempt to give comfort, let me first disturb your conscience. I’m seeing sisters and a lot of women I love being hurt and confused by the message of the “Ordain Women” movement. My mind is settled with regard to women’s roles in the priesthood in our day, and the message did not hit home for me. I haven’t followed the situation very closely, but when people I know started voicing sympathy and confusion, and I saw their faith in the doctrine of priesthood authority suddenly appear lukewarm, alarms went off in my mind. This is a more dangerous movement than I first thought.

I’m going to open the scriptures and liken them to our day and situation. In the Book of Mormon is recorded the Vision of the Tree of Life. In Lehi’s words from 1 Nephi 8

 5 And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me.

 6 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.

 7 And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.

 8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.

 9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field.

Remember that the large and spacious field represents the world

 10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.

 11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

 12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

As Nephi interprets later, the tree represents the love of God. It seems perfectly reasonable that Lehi would want his wife and children to join him. Stay with me, we will get to the point in time.

13 And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.

The river is not to be confused with the Fountain of Living Waters. It is a filthy river and symbolic of the depths of Hell.

 14 And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.

 15 And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.

 16 And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.

 17 And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.

 18 And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit.

Let’s take a moment and appreciate Lehi’s love for his family. Perhaps you personally are not struggling with the gospel or particular doctrines; but each of us know someone who does struggle, who doesn't know the way, or what the Love of God means. We may even know and love some people who have flatly rejected the gospel, and we rightly hurt for them. There are times when I hurt for my lost family and friends too.

 19 And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.

The Rod of Iron is a representation of the Word of God, or his teachings and commandments. Isn’t it interesting that it is so close to the river? Why is that? I’ll give a personal experience:

Once I was wandering through some woods during a season of rain and high water. I was trying to find my way home and I knew the path was near the creek, or in this case, a high river of very murky, filthy water. In my wanderings, I left the main path and lost sight of the river for a while, and came to a calm, wide, and muddy puddle that extended into the trees in two directions. I knew the river was to the east and that if I walked straight ahead I would find the river and be able to make my way back to the main path and try another route to get home. I put one foot out into the puddle to test its depth and found that it was only a few inches deep. Confidently, I stepped out further and fell into deep, swift water with a moderate undertow. I kicked off the bottom, luckily broke the surface, and was able to kick hard enough and long enough to find a strong root and pull myself out of the deceptive, filthy river.

The Rod of Iron is a safety rail, and close to the River of Filthy water. Hold on to it. However, if you let go and fall in, it doesn't mean you have to die there. The Lord has provided an escape ,the very same Iron Rod, to those who will search it out, just as the Lord provided me a strong, life saving root to grab.

20 And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.

 21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.

 22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.

 23 And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.

Didn't I say to hold on the Iron Rod? Nephi explains very clearly in 1 Nephi 12:17 that the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil. It’s easy to get distracted and blinded by the many opportunities for sin and the philosophies of mankind. It’s not easy to see the path in the darkness, so the Iron Rod is there to help keep us safe and on the path, or even help us up when we fall.

A Vision of the Tree of Life, by Carol Llind

 24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

 25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

What?! You mean some people came all that way, through the dangers and darkness of the world, sometimes even needing to pull up from the depths of Hell and, finally tasted of the Fruit for which they hungered… and then felt ashamed? Why?! Why?! Why?! Well, Lehi tells what so disturbed them.

 26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

 27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

 28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.

Whoa! A floating building full of people making a mockery of those who would partake of God’s Love and be happy for it. Maybe it seems a little strange that people would actually care about the derision of the world, seeing as how they found something far more precious than the esteem of mankind; but you need to remember, there is something about the people in the building that makes them seem important, or perhaps they really are important and influential people. Sometimes standing firm at the tree is hard when it’s your family, friends, leaders, and favorite celebrities in the building having a good time at your expense.

I’m going to leave the vision now and ask you to judge the message and the leadership qualities of those you may be sympathizing with. Yes, I know what it says in the bible about judging. In Matthew 7:1 it says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged”. That’s very nice and all, but there is an essential Joseph Smith Translation change.

“… Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment”

So start judging. Does the message bring you closer to the Tree of Life, or further away. Is the messenger revealing a faith building truth, or fomenting dissent and anger? Where does the leader stand? At the Tree, or in the Building with No Foundation. I’m not saying you need to condemn the leader for which you formerly offered sympathy. That’s not our place; but the fruits of the message must be judged, and the leadership qualities, must be verified.

Now that I've spent a very long time laying open the scriptures and likening them to our situation, I will attempt to provide comfort on the relationship of women and the priesthood. I think it is true that women’s relationship and responsibilities within the priesthood have changed over time, and are subject to change as the Lord sees fit to build his kingdom.

In our dispensation and especially our day, so many things are tearing men and women apart. Satan greatly fears and resents the sacred union and complementary relationship between man and woman. He attempts to take us apart and keep us separate through divorce, normalizing single parenthood, gender confusions, worldly teachings, job competition, government welfare, popular media, and anything else he can use as a wedge.

Imagine for a moment what would happen in our day, with so many forces pulling the sexes apart, if women became fully and equally responsible for all offices and functions of the priesthood. Would men still be absolutely essential? Could we technically have wards and branches without them? If they are no longer an absolute necessity, would the priesthood then serve as a uniter, or a divider?

Maybe I’m a bit of a cynic, but I’m fairly certain that it would serve to divide us.

As it stands, we as women, must seek men out in order to enjoy the full benefits and blessings of the priesthood. Men must seek women out in order to offer the full expression of their priesthood duties (namely marriage and temple duties, but it can also refer to Home Teaching and family obligations). We belong together in our journey to the Tree of Life, and we still belong together when we partake of the Fruit.

1 Corinthians 11

 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

Sheri Dew from the October 2001 conference report said,

Neither Adam with his priesthood nor Eve with her motherhood could bring about the Fall alone. Their unique roles were interconnected. They counseled with one another, lifted burdens neither could have lifted alone, and then faced the wilderness, with all of its uncertainty, together. This is the Lord’s pattern for righteous men and women.

I highly recommend reading the entire talk, or even watching or listening to it.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/it-is-not-good-for-man-or-woman-to-be-alone?lang=eng

In closing, let me assure you that the Lord loves all equally. It is OK to question. In fact the Lord invites our sincere questioning.  Remember James 1:

 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

With love, Christine

P.S. Another recommendation: I love Elder Dallin H. Oaks. I suggest listening to all his talks. He speaks so clearly, it’s nearly impossible to miss the point. In particular, his most recent conference talk is especially appropriate to this subject.

April 2014 General Conference, The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng