Word of Wisdom

Over one hundred fifty years ago a revelation from God was given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. At that time few could understand the reasons for many of the restrictions placed upon them in the matter of their dietary and health habits. As a result, no doubt there were many who did not choose to observe what came to be known as the Word of Wisdom.

On the other hand, there were others who, because of their faith and their desire to be obedient to the word of the Lord, accepted and heeded the counsel and instruction.

I feel that the promise given in the last four verses of this revelation is one of the most glorious promises that the Lord has pronounced for our benefit.

“And 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; italics added.)

Too often we think of the promise as pertaining only to observance of the Word of Wisdom, but note in the first sentence, it states, “walking in obedience to the commandments,” which means that we observe not only the counsel in this revelation, but keep the other commandments in order to obtain the promise.

This revelation has such far-reaching effects on so many aspects of our lives, and on the social behavior of those in our communities, that I believe most of the ills of society today could be cured by the acceptance and observance of the Word of Wisdom.

Consider the spiritual, moral, physical, and economic problems caused by the use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol or the use of illegal drugs and misuse of legal drugs.

No one would knowingly go into his garden or a forest of beautiful trees and pour a mixture of poisons at the roots of flowers or shrubs. Yet there are those who make no effort to stop, but actually assist in getting people to use the habit-forming substances which eventually poison the bodies and minds of those who indulge, causing many forms of illness, and even death.

Surely the Lord gave a revelation and a promise for the benefit and blessing of his children.

May we continue to stand for physical, mental, and spiritual health through observance of the Word of Wisdom and receive the blessings predicated upon obedience to the word of the Lord.

Integrity - Thought

To me, integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous … , not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts.

We show our integrity by caring for and serving others.

The Lord expects us to live lives of integrity and to be obedient to his commandments.

Let us strive for personal, practical integrity in every endeavor, regardless of how mundane or inconsequential it may seem.

Having received the Spirit of Christ to know good from evil, we should always choose the good.

-Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Thought from Dave: Integrity

1 Chronicles 29:17

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

Just a thought on Unity

The Lord has said, “If ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27). We can seek and promote this standard of unity in our families and in the Church. If we are married, we and our spouse can be unified in purpose and action. We can allow our unique qualities to complement one another as we face challenges together and grow in love and understanding. We can also be unified with other family members and with members of the Church by serving together, teaching one another, and encouraging one another. We can become one with the President of the Church and other Church leaders as we study their words and follow their counsel.

Psalms 133

[1] "Behold, how good and how pleasant is it for brethren to dwell together together in Unity!"

Of this I do Testify.

Lesson: Ten Commandments

I am taking Hunter’s Safety this week to get ready to hunt. I just read about the Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety.

1. 1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

2. 2. Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.

3. 3. Don't rely on your gun's safety.

4. 4. Be sure of your target and what's beyond it.

5. 5. Use proper ammunition.

6. 6. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care.

7. 7. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.

8. 8. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.

9. 9. Don't alter or modify your gun and have it serviced regularly.

10. 10.Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.

In hunting and in life instructions are necessary to be able to do what we need to do. Rules and laws are like instructions.

We know that rules are necessary in many aspects of our lives. There are rules we should follow to be safe, to have good health, to have good relationships with others, or to have eternal life. Rules bring order into our lives and are necessary for us to know how to live happily. Heavenly Father has given us the Ten Commandments, which are laws to help us know what to do and how to live so we can be happy.

· 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).

· 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (Exodus 20:4).

· 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (Exodus 20:7).

· 4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8).

· 5. Honour thy father and thy mother (Exodus 20:12).

· 6. Thou shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13).

· 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14).

· 8. Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15).

· 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness (Exodus 20:16).

· 10. Thou shalt not covet (Exodus 20:17).

Notice that all of the Ten Commandments fit under the two great commandments that Jesus Christ gave in Matthew 22:37–40: to love God and to love our neighbors. Think of specific ways to live these commandments, and challenge yourself to choose one specific way to show love for God and to show love for your neighbors this week.

FHE THOUGHT: The Ten Commandments

"I have come to know that the acts of men, once governed by the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, are in my day to a great extent governed by the whims of the persons committing the act. The excuse is that one has to “do his own thing.” And apparently the commandments are forgotten. But they have not been cancelled. They still stand as a beacon light on the way to eternal life—which is, of course, eternal happiness and joy...

...Incidentally, to this generation of young fathers I suggest that they spend overtime teaching their children the fifth commandment, which tells them to honor their parents. We teach children they must not lie and steal, but do little to have them understand that adolescent rebellion is a flagrant breaking of the commandment to honor parents. To make the teaching effective, parents must live to deserve the honor children are commanded to give them. It is devastating to a child to learn that his father does not have integrity..."

-S. Dilworth Young, “‘He Hath Showed Thee, O Man, What Is Good’,” Ensign, Nov 1978, 64