The Word of Wisdom
Doctrine & Covenants 89
What could I say that hasn't already been said hundreds of times before? Probably nothing, but I know obeying the Word of Wisdom brings great blessings. I love that it's "adapted to the capacity of the weak" and that we're to use everything with "prudence and thanksgiving."
Some may wonder why the Word of Wisdom isn't more detailed or explicit. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: The Lord has not given a revelation forbidding use of such harmful drugs as cocaine, LSD, hashish, marijuana, and others, because "such revelation is unnecessary. The Word of Wisdom is a basic law. It points the way and gives us ample instruction in regard to both food and drink, good for the body and also detrimental. If we sincerely follow what is written with the aid of the Spirit of the Lord, we need no further counsel. . . . Thus by keeping the commandment we are promised inspiration and the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord through which we will know what is good and what is bad for the body, without the Lord presenting us with a detailed list separating the good things from the bad that we may be protected. We will elarn by this faithful observance that the promises of the Lord are fulfilled" (Improvement Era, Feb. 1956, pp. 78-79).
It's actually a good thing that it's not more explicit. In the 50 years since President Smith made that statement, many more "bad" things have come on the scene. We just need to use some common sense, and listen to the Spirit, and we'll be able to obey the principles of the Word of Wisdom.
What could I say that hasn't already been said hundreds of times before? Probably nothing, but I know obeying the Word of Wisdom brings great blessings. I love that it's "adapted to the capacity of the weak" and that we're to use everything with "prudence and thanksgiving."
Some may wonder why the Word of Wisdom isn't more detailed or explicit. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: The Lord has not given a revelation forbidding use of such harmful drugs as cocaine, LSD, hashish, marijuana, and others, because "such revelation is unnecessary. The Word of Wisdom is a basic law. It points the way and gives us ample instruction in regard to both food and drink, good for the body and also detrimental. If we sincerely follow what is written with the aid of the Spirit of the Lord, we need no further counsel. . . . Thus by keeping the commandment we are promised inspiration and the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord through which we will know what is good and what is bad for the body, without the Lord presenting us with a detailed list separating the good things from the bad that we may be protected. We will elarn by this faithful observance that the promises of the Lord are fulfilled" (Improvement Era, Feb. 1956, pp. 78-79).
It's actually a good thing that it's not more explicit. In the 50 years since President Smith made that statement, many more "bad" things have come on the scene. We just need to use some common sense, and listen to the Spirit, and we'll be able to obey the principles of the Word of Wisdom.
Comments
Post a Comment