The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise”
Words from a portion of President Boyd Packer’s Patriarchal Blessing have meaning for each of us here in mortality:
You had the opportunity before coming here to voice your desire to have this privilege of Earth Life in the council of the spirit world. You were valiant in the defense of truth and right. You made a free and willing decision to abide by the laws of Eternal Progress as outlined by our elder brother, the Lord Jesus Christ. You kept faithfully your first estate and have been added upon by being born into this world and given a physical body with which you might experience Earth Life. You have been given a body of such physical proportions and fitness as to enable your spirit to function through it unhampered by physical impediments. You should cherish this as a great heritage. Guard and protect it–take nothing into it that shall harm the organs thereof because it is sacred. It is the instrument of your mind and the foundation of your character. [Patriarchal blessing of Boyd K. Packer, 15 January 1944, 1]
Heavenly Father has provided our bodies for a divine purpose. They are a necessary part of His plan for our eternal progression. Because of their importance, Heavenly Father has given us a stewardship to care for them. In our dispensation, as in ancient times, He has revealed principles of good health to help us keep our bodies clean and pure. Our obedience to these principles is an indication of our love for Him and an expression of our gratitude.
During the winter of 1833, Joseph Smith inquired of the the Lord about his concerns regarding members’ use of tobacco products and their health effects on the body. He received the revelation that is known as “The Word of Wisdom” (Doctrine & Covenants 89). This lesson discusses its counsel and great promises.
Overview:
- Why was the Word of Wisdom revealed?
- The Lord’s counsel about what is not good for the body.
- The Lord’s counsel about what is good for the body.
- Promised blessings for obedience to the Word of Wisdom.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 22.
pax vobiscum
Filed under: Gospel Doctrine | Tagged: Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Doctrine, Health, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Spirituality, Word of Wisdom
