God Given Health Code [Part 2]

Last week, we learned that God's commandments for health are not new. Today, God gives us the Word of Wisdom as a general health code.

Quick Modern History

This revelation came to Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio, 27 February 1833. It came about when during church meetings [at that time held on the second floor of the prophets house], people would puff up a smoke, or attempt to aim for the spittoon while chewing.

Emma Smith, Joseph's wife, confronted him with some issues:

First, she was responsible for cleaning up the mess.

Second, while cooking she dealt with some of the ashes and “misfires” over her kitchen.

Needless to say, Emma told Joseph to ask God about these gross habits.

So Joseph did. The result was the Word of Wisdom.

Breaking it down.

So what is in the Word of Wisdom? There are several things it points out, but the idea is the same as it has always been: to maintain and protect the health of those who follow it.

Dangers around Us

The Word of Wisdom [given at this time] was to protect the individual from danger from the enemies of the church. Today, the “enemy” [Satan, followed by drug dealers, ect.] seeks to destroy society with substances that alter a human beings stability for the sake of gain. Hence, we are warned of peer pressure.

Stay Away!

This section [which most non-members have some acquaintance] is based on both health AND obedience.

Generally, those who follow this commandment are warned to stay away from the following;

Alcohol, Tobacco, Tea and Coffee [you can stop squeezing the mouse now].

There are other things that are not included, such harmful and illegal substances, which can destroy the mind and body like a deadly plague.

However, there are things that can enlighten the mind and body that the Word of Wisdom counsols to use.

For Better Health....

For anyone who wants to go beyond just staying away from drugs and addiction, The Word of Wisdom consoles us in a dietary standpoint:

Fruits and vegetables we should eat on a regular basis.

Meat we should eat sparingly [suggested use during famine or winter]

Grains should be a firm basis on our diet.

So Why?

Admittedly, we may not clearly understand why the Lord consoles us on these kinds of things. The Israelites didn’t have any clue why they needed to avoid non-kosher foods, and the early saints that followed Joseph Smith most likely had no idea either.

There are some modern ideas of health that do support why we follow the word of wisdom.

Look familiar?

God knows us even better than we do. God promises that when we follow this Word of Wisdom,

“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” (D&C 89:18-21).

This is the word of God to us, and when we follow it, we WILL find hidden treasures that we may have never realized it before.

It’s not easy for those in addiction to break away, but with help from others and especially with God can one be free to embark on the path of spirituality and good health.