I was assigned to give a talk at church today, to introduce the
Word of Wisdom (revelation about refraining from harmful substances and eating healthy foods) to the congregation and share some of my thoughts about it. As I was reading and studying to prepare the content, I became more enthusiastic about the subject. I thought more about how I could relate it to my own experiences - seeing the issues many face by not following the counsel, my own transition as a convert, and the perspective I gain from my job. Here is the talk if you would like to read:
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"Neither the Church nor the world at large can hear too much about the Word of Wisdom. It is a doctrine given to man for man’s happiness and benefit. It is part of the philosophy of living… He who fails to live it robs himself of strength of body and strength of character to which he is entitled.” (Chapter 11 of Teachings of Presidents of the Church:
David O. McKay)
The Word of Wisdom, or section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, was revealed to the prophet
Joseph Smith in February 1833. The month prior to the revelation, a School of Prophets was organized to train priesthood holders in how to best fulfill their callings and preach the gospel. When they met, many of them smoked pipes and chewed tobacco. This tobacco use bothered the prophet, and he inquired of Lord about it. In response to Joseph’s inquiry on the matter, the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom.
The Word of Wisdom is a law of health which specifies foods that are good for us and substances which are not. It also lists the blessings promised to those who follow the counsel. In summary, the Word of Wisdom lists alcoholic drinks, tobacco, tea, and coffee as not good for man. Grains, vegetables, herbs, and fruits are all listed as good to eat. Meats are also to eat, but should be used sparingly. The revelation does not specifically mention illegal drugs or other addictive substances, but the basic principles outlined therein – to eat things that are healthy for the body and avoid those that are not – easily applies to such items.
The blessings predicated for those who following the counsel are “health in their navel and marrow to their bones; wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; [they shall] run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint; [lastly, the Lord promises] that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them." (
Doctrine & Covenants 89:18–21)
Many members of the church, myself included, are faced with questions about the Word of Wisdom – especially the avoidance of harmful substances. I have found the best explanation for them and for myself is found in Doctrine & Covenants 29:34, “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal”. In other words, Latter-Day Saints abstain from addictive, harmful substances and eat healthy foods in moderation because this benefits our bodies, provides us with precious
agency, and helps invite spiritual companionship of the
Holy Ghost. In addition, our care for our body is intrinsically linked to the care for our spirit. We should never be ashamed or embarrassed to explain why we make such choices.
Addiction is a powerful vice. Most or many of us face addictions, in many forms and to varying degrees. The addiction related to harmful substances is very powerful. I have seen it in my own family, among many friends, among patients, and among strangers. The portion of the Word of Wisdom addressing harmful, addictive substances in given for a purpose. Regular use of such things creates dependence and laziness of the body, and, in some cases, the thought that one is free from any consequences related to actions. “The Church urges men to have self-mastery to control their appetites, their tempers, and their speech. A man is not at his best when he is a slave to some habit. A man is not his best who lives merely to gratify his passions.” (Chapter 11 of Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: David O McKay) If we can master temptation to use such substances, we become stronger. This mastery can be used to conquer other temptations or addictions. We can better practice self-control.
As a convert of 2 years, I have not always followed the counsel in the Word of Wisdom. Thankfully, I grew up in a home with parents who showed and continue to show temperance, and I, myself, have never dealt with addiction to a harmful substance. I gave up alcohol first. Later, when I began studying the gospel in earnest, I gave up coffee and tea. I have never been a regular smoker. My eating habits did not change too much, although I began to spread out my meat consumption to begin using it more “sparingly”. When I gave these items up, everything/my world felt clearer. Almost like a slight veil was gone from the world. It was one less thing to worry about.
My transition was not too difficult. I have vices elsewhere, of course. But I know that the transition can be overwhelming for many who want to or are converting, or for members who are struggling with addiction. When studying the topic more, I found out that the revealed Word of Wisdom was not originally given as a commandment. Some of the Saints in 1833 had habits or addictions. The Lord allowed time for them to change. Not until an 1851
General Conference did the prophet
Brigham Young propose that the Saints make a formal covenant to follow the counsel. After unanimous acceptance, the instruction became a binding commandment. Just as the Lord had compassion on the Saints, we can also grow in our compassion for and willingness to help those not yet following or struggling to follow the Word of Wisdom. The church has an
addiction recovery program, and stresses that those struggling receive help through prayer, family, friends and church leaders. In addition, one can find recommendations for how to help and encourage those struggling with addiction in
Preach My Gospel.
As I have developed a testimony of truth of the Word of the Wisdom spiritually, I have also been able to see its truth in my professional life. I have been researching the ill effects of tobacco and the best ways to help tobacco users quit. In addition, I perform some tobacco industry monitoring tasks in my job. I have learned how the Lord’s counsel was given “in consequence of the evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days.” (Doctrine & Covenants 89:4) He truly has “warned and forewarned” us in these latter days. You might or might not be shocked to know how invested the tobacco industry is in getting you to smoke. How these conspiring figures have knowingly pushed addiction and harm on the public, particularly the most vulnerable, the mentally ill, the poor, and the most stressed individuals throughout the world. Are you surprised to know that some tobacco companies give out free cigarettes at homeless shelters? Of the 21% of Americans who smoke, up to 70% want to quit. Only about 2-3% are successful at quitting each year. On a positive note, the rise of telephone quit lines, effective tobacco prevention and treatment strategies, and medicinal therapies are helping users quit more and more.
We should also be aware of the push for other unhealthy behaviors. The social acceptance of heavy drinking (and its expectation among youth), recreational drug use, overuse of caffeine, overeating, and poor nutrition are also evidence of the truth of the warning in the Word of Wisdom. Some suggestions to combat the latter two vices - cook at home more, trying to incorporate fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables into a diet as much as possible. Space out consumption of meat and make healthy substitutions in recipes where possible. These small differences can give us more vitality and thanksgiving for our food. Healthy food can taste great and often cost the same or less than processed foods. The Farmer’s Market program that our ward has started is a great example of following the Word of Wisdom!
I hope that we in the church and those around us can be strengthened when faced with temptation and trial. I testify that following the Word of Wisdom will bring many blessings to you and family, as it has to me and mine. Your world will be clearer. You can better face other challenges and be more worthy of the Spirit to help you meet them. I pray that we will not be afraid to stand up for this righteous choice and that we will grow in love, compassion, and desire to help those who are struggling with addiction.
I say these things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
