Eating Right: Living the Word of Wisdom
I. Our
bodies are amazing – they are
made of 60-90 trillion cells (1), work
through the night to detoxify and regenerate as we sleep, pump an average of
1.3 gallons of blood per minute, and average over 100,000 heart beats a day (2). For more insight into the miraculous facts
about our body, look up Elder Russell M. Nelson’s talk, The Magnificence of Man, January 1988 Ensign.
II. Our
body is a temple to house our spirit
– it “help[s] us learn,
progress, serve, and glorify the Giver of the gift: God.” (3) The body is “the instrument of
your mind and the foundation of your character.” (From the
patriarchal blessing of Pres. Boyd K. Packer, quoted in Nov. 2000 Ensign, 72)
III. We
must respect and care for our body to keep it working well throughout our
lives. “How we care for our physical
bodies affects us spiritually.” (4)
Treating the body properly requires deliberate
thought and effort – being “a grateful and wise steward of the body often
requires giving up something worldly to gain something heavenly, [such as]
giving up the short-term pleasures of overeating [or] the avoidance of proper
exercise.” (3) It may
require taking time to plan and prepare healthy meals, giving up a harmful
habit, letting go of wasting time and energy obsessing over body shape/size,
etc.
Amid the world’s controversy and confusion of
what to eat and drink, we have been blessed with the Word of Wisdom to use as a
tool to measure the truth regarding nutrition.
President Ezra Taft Benson said, “The Word of
Wisdom allows us to know that the Lord is vitally concerned about the health of
His Saints. He has graciously given us
counsel for improving our health, endurance, and resistance to many diseases.” (5)
IV. The
Word of Wisdom was revealed 180 years ago on February 27, 1833. Originally it was not given as a commandment
which “allowed a time of adjustment for those who were already members of the
Church,” but later, after sufficient time for the Saints to make needed
changes, it was “announced . . . by President Brigham Young that the Word of
Wisdom was a revelation and a command of the Lord.” (6)
It is interesting to note that the Word of Wisdom
was given at a time when medical scientific research was barely beginning, when
“childbirth fever” was not yet solved, when Louis Pasteur “had not yet
documented the germ theory,” and when opium-based Brown’s Teething Cordial was
sold for fretful babies.”
(7) Also at this time, the Bayer
Company marketed a cough syrup that contained heroin and Coca-Cola contained
cocaine. And, a man could begin to
practice medicine after only three to four months of study. (7)
Since that time, the Word of Wisdom has been
validated by scientific research. The
very foods the Lord counseled us to eat in 1833 are the foods scientists are
now finding to be key in preventing many of the diseases plaguing us today –
heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.
V. The
foods the Lord instructs us to eat in the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89:10-17):
“all
wholesome herbs” – The word “herb” refers to vegetables and
plants that are nourishing and healthful for man.”(6) The urgent message of many
health professionals today is “Eat more vegetables.” Green vegetables are known
to be especially important in providing vital nutrients that fight cancer and
heart disease. As antibiotics are becoming less effective, herbs are becoming
popular once again for treating illness.
“every
fruit” – Fruit, especially the whole fruit, skin included, contains important
vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals not found in other foods. This applies to vegetables, herbs, nuts,
seeds, and grains, too. Scientific
evidence shows the whole food is significantly more effective in fighting
various diseases, including cancer, than those that have been adulterated in
some way.
“in
the season thereof” – Any grain, fruit, or vegetable “is out of
season no matter what part of the year it may be, if it is unfit for use.”(6) The phrase refers to the fruit, etc. being at its peak of nutrition,
but “does not necessarily prohibit the use of fruits or vegetables out of
season if preserved by proper methods.”(6) More nutrients are obtained from fresh fruits
and vegetables than from those that have been sitting in storage or transport
for extended periods of time.
“to
be used with prudence . . .” means exercising wisdom, reason, and good
judgment in the use of resources.
“.
. . and thanksgiving” – with gratitude.
“flesh
. . . of beasts and of the fowls of the air . . . to be used sparingly” –
sparingly means “severely restricted,” “only under certain circumstances,” “to
use or dispense frugally,” “to be frugal,” “not liberal or profuse.” Many of our prophets strictly followed this
by eating very little meat and avoiding it altogether in summer and other times
of the year. Modern scientific research
has found that too much meat in the diet can cause an imbalance of pH in the
body leading to a wide scope of complications and diseases. “Humans . . . have
livers with very limited capacities for cholesterol removal – they can remove
only a little more than they make for themselves for their own bodies . . . .” (8)
“All grain is ordained for the use of man”
-- whole grains are an important part of our diet. When used whole, the bran
and germ included, they provide valuable nutrients essential for health: fiber,
healthy unsaturated fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, plant enzymes, and
hundreds of phytochemicals. In the Word of Wisdom the Lord says that “wheat is for man.” Wheat and other
grains are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately wheat and other grains have been given a bad rap
lately, especially with the gluten-free focus.
Those who are genuinely sensitive or reactive to gluten, including those
with celiac disease, must strictly avoid wheat and other gluten-containing
grains, however, make sure the diagnosis is correct before cutting out these
valuable grains.
“fruit
of the vine . . . whether in the ground or above the ground” – From
zucchini and cucumbers to potatoes and peanuts, all are valuable food sources
provided by the Lord. Although potatoes are shunned by some, they were heroes
to “the miners who streamed west with the Gold Rush.” The generous amount of
Vitamin C contained in potatoes cured the scurvy that had stricken the miners. (9)
In 1844, in reference to the Word of Wisdom,
Patriarch Hyrum Smith said, “Who made the corn, the wheat, the rye, and all the
vegetable substances? And who was it that organized man, and constituted him as
he is found? Who made his stomach, and
his digestive organs, and prepared proper nutriment for his system . . . and
his form be invigorated by that kind of food which the laws of nature, and the
laws of God has said would be good for man?” (7)
We now know that whole foods lead to higher
metabolism, less hunger, lower levels of triglycerides, lower blood sugar,
helps body maintain healthier muscle/fat proportion.
“Researchers already know that people in
countries with diets that consist almost entirely of locally grown fruits and
vegetables are protected against cancer and heart disease.” (7) “In America, on the other hand,
where fresh produce represents only a small part of our diet, cancer and heart
disease are the most frequent causes of death.” (7)
VI. The Lord
has instructed us in the Word of Wisdom to abstain from: “wine or
strong drink,” “tobacco,” and “hot drinks” which the Prophet Joseph Smith said
meant tea and coffee. (6)
Satan
wants us to misuse our body. Giving in to the harmful substances warned of in
the Word of Wisdom, will create addictions that are extremely difficult to
overcome.
Pres. Brigham Young said, “. . . whenever we take
anything into the system to force and stimulate it beyond its natural capacity,
it shortens life.” (10-Young, 212) Pres. Heber J. Grant said,
“The Lord does not want you to use any drug that creates an appetite for
itself.” (10-Grant, 189)
VII.
Conspiring men in the last days – A reality! Many food manufacturers today use “flavorists,”
who alter the taste of the product with specific ingredient or chemical
combinations designed to create cravings and addictions in their
consumers. This type of deception brings
in a lot of money for the food company. Genetic engineering, over-hybridization,
misleading advertisements, deceptive labeling, media promoting, etc. are all
evidences of the “evils and designs” in the hearts of these conspiring men we
have been warned about (D&C 89:4).
VIII. “The Church urges men to use 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.” (10-McKay, p.
106)
“Some use excuses for not fully abiding by the
Word of Wisdom and others “seek justification for their indulgences” which
Pres. McKay says is when they “parade the weakness of their faith in the Lord’s
words.” (10-McKay, p. 104)
A
great example of self-mastery and maintaining health comes from President
Brigham Young. He explained that when he
went into the homes of the brethren they wanted to share food with him but he
would only accept a piece of Johnnycake (cornbread). He said, “I would rather have it than their
pies and tarts and sweet meats. Let me
have something that will sustain nature and leave my stomach and whole system
clear to receive the Spirit of the Lord and be free from headache and pains of
every kind.” (10-Young, 213)
IX. “With
the Lord’s help, every Latter-day Saint can keep the Word of Wisdom.” The Lord has “endowed every man, woman and
child among the Latter-day Saints with the power and the ability to keep the
Word of Wisdom.” “There is not a man or
a woman among all the Latter-day Saints but who could keep the Word of Wisdom
if they got down on their knees . . . and pray[ed] to God for help.” (10-Grant, 195, 196) The Lord
gave the Word of Wisdom for all -- “adapted to the capacity of the weak and the
weakest of all saints . . .” (D&C 89:3)
Sister Anna Snow stopped drinking coffee on her 83rd
birthday. Coffee had been a lifelong
habit for her and kept her from fully keeping the Word of Wisdom. In a testimony, she shared her gratitude for
the help of the Lord in being able “to overcome her failing.” (10-Grant, 196)
X. The
Lord Promises: Both
physical AND spiritual blessings. D & C 89:3 “states that [the] revelation
was ‘given for a principle with promise’.”
“To receive the promise, we must
obey the principle.” (6)
·
D&C
89:18. Physical health – Pres. Grant’s healthy heart kept him alive
during a surgery the doctors believed he could not survive. (10–Grant, 190-191)
·
D&C
89:19. Intelligence - “Wisdom and great treasures of knowledge” -
“treasures of spiritual knowledge were poured out upon the brethren attending
the School of the Prophets, and they made great advances in their understanding
of the gospel.” (10–Joseph Smith, p. 263)
·
D&C
89:20. The ability to “run and not be
weary, and . . . walk and not faint.”
·
D&C
89:21. Protection from the destroying angel
Pres. Heber J. Grant said, “No man or woman who
is keeping the Word of Wisdom finds fault with it. Why?
Because they know of the health they enjoy, they know of the peace, the joy,
the comfort, the satisfaction that come to their hearts when they do what the
Lord wants them to do.” (10-Grant, 193)
In 1991, Larry Tucker said in his Ensign article,
“Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are among the
healthiest and longest-living people on the earth today. Such are the blessings of obedience to the
Word of Wisdom.” (11)
All those who faithfully obey the Word of Wisdom
are entitled to the Lord’s wonderful promises.
Read the beautiful and inspiring story told by Elder Eduardo Ayala, of a
young microneurosurgeon who followed the Word of Wisdom all his life and
experienced a time when he really needed the blessings promised by the Lord for
the obedient. In a desperate situation
he humbly prayed, “I need these promises to come to me now.” (12) After a trial of his faith, the Lord’s promises came forth in a great
way. Be sure to look up the story!
References:
3. Spangler,
Diane L. The Body, a Sacred Gift.
Ensign, July 2005.
4. Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, Lesson
22: The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise.” 1999.
5.
Benson, Ezra T. A Principle with a Promise. Ensign, May 1983.
6. Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual 2nd
Edition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, SLC, UT, 2001;
207,209-210.
7. Johnson,
K. The Word of Wisdom Food Plan – A
Medical Review of the Mormon Doctrine. CFI, Springville, UT 1993; 10,32.
8.
The
McDougal Newsletter. July 2003. http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/030700pumeatinthehumandiet.htm
9. Larson,
Lora. The Do’s in the Word of Wisdom.
Ensign, April 1977.
10. Teachings of the Presidents of the Church – Various
issues, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, SLC, UT.
11. Tucker, L.
Research and Perspectives: Tobacco is Not
for the Body. Ensign, June 1991.
12. Elder
Eduardo Ayala. The Word of Wisdom.
Ensign, Nov. 1990.
