No coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs? These are some of the things that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints abstain from. We believe this is a commandment from God to bless and improve our lives. God created us, and He knows what is better for our bodies. One of our strongest beliefs in the church is that our bodies are sacred, literally they are like temples. And who wouldn’t want to have a clean, beautiful temple?
” 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— 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.”
Doctrine and Covenants 89: 2-3
When I first learned about the Word of Wisdom, I was curious to know about the origin of this commandment. Joseph Smith was inspired by his wife’s concern on these harmful substances. She had to clean plenty of cigar ashes left from the men of the church from who held their meetings at their house. She was disturbed about the mess, and then counseled with her husband whether using tobacco was right. Joseph prayed and received this revelation who later was known as the Word of Wisdom. This is taken from the introduction of the 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants.
“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.”
“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.”
Elder Boyd K. Packer
This is why many members of the church around the World abstain from Tabbaco, Alcholol, Drugs, Tea and Coffee. It is a commandment from God, just like any other commandments. I wonder, sometimes, why it was called the Word of Wisdom? Perhaps because at that time many members uncouncsily were drinking and smooking and God did not want to commend them for something they did not know was wrong. Nevertheless, this is a commandment and a requirement for baptism and ongoing worthyness in the church. Its supposed to identify a member of Christ’s true church, but it also meant to define a disciple by their obedience to His commandments.
“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”
Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21
One important information about the Word of Wisdom is that this commandment does not only tell us what we shouldn’t eat or drink, but it encourages us to choose a healthy lifestyle. For example, we are told to eat meat sparingly, to enjoy the freshness of the vegetables and the herbs of the Earth. We need to have frequent physical exercises. Also, we also reminded to eat grains because they are healthy and can help us gain a true source of energy. We are to stock our food in case of emergencies ahead. Overall, the Word of Wisdom opens our minds and heart into appreciating food and instructing us to use it wisely.
The Word of Wisdom is given to us from the Lord so we can take care of our bodies. The reason why we should not consume any alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco or drugs is because these substances can become addictive and harmful. And once we are addicted to food we won’t only harm ourselves but we will hurt people around us. Addiction to food and fixation of alcoholic beverages is real and dangerous. When we use these substances we lose control and cannot feel the Spirit. We pollute our bodies as well as our spirits. Taking these drinks inside of us can slowly damage our body without even noticing it.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19, New Testament, THE BIBLE KJV
I know that keeping this commandment is difficult for some people, especially the ones already addicted to food or drinks. I know that most of the people love their coffee and tea in the morning. The majority continues to drink beer like water and others smoke more than they breathe. I acknowledge that a few are addicted to drugs, the most difficult one to deal with. These issues are real and I believe anyone can change. It takes effort and faith, and patience in the process; but anything is possible with God.
There are some physical blessings when obeying the Word of Wisdom. Personally, I have been feeling so happy and energized. My body has the strength it needs to do many things. It feels like my mind is clear and I rarely can get sick. I am able to stay active throughout my day. Studying becomes easy, taking good grades becomes possible and receiving wisdom becomes a blessing. Obeying this law can promote good heath. I have been impressed by the quality and quantity of life from the ones who obey and honor this commandment. For example, President Nelson, on his 95 years of age, is moving forward stronger and happier than a 20-year-old. I have seen families who are happy and healthy; they are strong because of their healthy eating.
“A pivotal spiritual attribute is that of self-mastery-the strength to place reason over appetite. . . . When we master our appetites within the bounds of God’s laws, we can enjoy longer life, greater love, and consummate joy.”
Elder Russell M. Nelson
What I love the most about this commandment is that requires one to use common sense. Since the Word of Wisdom was introduced to us, many food manufacturers continue to create mass production of harmful and addictive substances. It’s difficult for us to stay healthy in a world with many unhealthy foods around us. But we cannot have a massive list pointing out everything we cannot or should not eat and drink. With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can discern and make right choices. We should be able to abstain anything that is harmful and addictive. This inspired revelation was given to bless us by controlling our appetite, guard our health and receive spiritual benefits. Greater receptivity to revelation is possible when obeying this commandment.
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 run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
Doctrine and Covenants 89:18, 20
Although physicals blessings are great, I have seen some amazing spiritual blessings. I have been able to stay strong and keep my faith up during trials and tribulations. Remember this is “a principle with promise”, and it’s up to us if we want to receive the blessings promised above. I testify that the Word of Wisdom is a commament of God. By obeying this inspired law, The Lord has blessed me with strength and inspiration to fulfill my duties and responsibilities at home and at church. My health means everything to me because my spiritual being reflects on how I treat my physical being. And just like the Israelites who were spared by the angel of death, we too will be protected and spared in our lives from our adversary. The Word of Wisdom has helped me feel in peace and receive my Father in Heaven’s love. He wants the best for us. He loves us. Once again, He has proven His tremendous love by given us this incredible, inspired and life-changing commandment.
God and Me 