The Word of Wisdom

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 89, more commonly known among Latter-day Saints as the Word of Wisdom. Originally given to the prophet, Joseph Smith as advice and a way to lead a healthy life and not a commandment of the church until Heber J Grant's day. As all who have read it are aware, the Lord told Joseph that the the reason He was giving it to Joseph was to combat the designs of evil and conspiring men in this the last days. I've heard it said that no one wakes up in the morning thinking to themselves how can they kill as many people as possible today, well only very, very few people do I think. But the people who promote these products are more interested in money than they are in the lives they ruin. So that definitely fits into my definition of evil.

Most people think of the Word of Wisdom as a physical law and it most certainly does have physical benefits of health. However, as with every other commandment the Lord has ever given, the Word of Wisdom is a spiritual commandment with spiritual benefits. When we partake of those substances that the commandment prohibits against, the Spirit cannot be with us. Just as with bad types of music, media and certain activities, use of these products will drive away the spirit of the Lord.

Now, I don't wish to focus on the don'ts of the Word of Wisdom as almost everyone who knows about Latter-day Saints knows we don't drink alcohol, coffee, tea, use tobacco or illegal drugs. And it is widely accepted among even general population, with the exception of coffee and tea, that these substances are not good for us, and yet people use theme everyday. However, I do wish to focus on the positives of the Word of Wisdom, the Lord's advice to us on what we SHOULD be eating.

Every blessing for health I have ever given, I have felt inspired to remind the individual that the Word of Wisdom contains the law for a healthy life, and that for a Latter-day Saint we will get the most benefit to our bodies by following the do's on the list. Just like any dietitian will tell you, and long before such a profession was around, the Lord tells us that we need to eat a well balanced diet. We need to eat fruits and vegetables and that grains should be the main staple of our meals. I personally find it interesting that the Lord specifies among the grains that wheat should be the main staple of mankind's diet and that other grains are really more for animals than humans. With grains like corn which are not digested but really just pass right through us, that makes sense to me. It actually has me thinking if items that are made from whole wheat are really that much better for us than those not made with whole wheat.

I think the one part of this section that most Latter-day Saints have a problem with, including me, is the eating meats sparingly part. Just last Sunday we had a lesson on the Word of Wisdom and we talked about this. It was asked if it was really bad to eat meat all the time or not. I was actually the one to respond. I mentioned that to my understanding there was a proper portion size for meats and in 99% of the case with meals in restaurants these days, the portion of meat provided to us is WAY too much for our bodies. Now, I love my meat, my wife will tell you that when I stress out, all I want is a nice steak or a hamburger. But I have learned that I feel healthier if I keep the meat to more of a minimum than not.

This past year, also in an effort to save money, my wife and I have placed more emphasis than either of us ever have before, on eating healthier, more balanced meals and I can tell you that at least for my wife, it has made all the difference in the world. She is sick less, she has more energy, she does not get as tired, it's amazing really! I haven't noticed too much of a difference but I am also overweight so I have different challenges than she does. But despite my lack of results really, my body has accepted the change to eat less, I can't finish an 8 oz steak in one sitting anymore without feeling bloated and overfull, and I DO feel better. This past year since we started doing this, I have only been sick once, not even any colds!

As we eat the right foods and eat foods high in fat, sugar and meats less, we will grow healthier, we will have more energy and the obesity problem in our country will vanish. It is ridiculous to me that we have scientists looking for an obesity gene when the answer is right in front of you. Just watch any person who is overweight, including me, eat. You will see too many of the wrong types of foods and not enough of the good types I guarantee. The Lord wants us to be healthy and we can do that by eating the types of foods that the Lord has told us of. Fruits and vegetables, healthy grains and a little meat on the side. If you don't believe me, I urge you to try it for 1 month and you will be amazed at the changes in you and your family. It will also increase the spirit in your home, I promise. Until tomorrow.