Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Word of Wisdom, A Principle With A Promise

In today's society everybody is health conscious and worried about what to eat. More and more the Word of Wisdom is being proven to be right on target as far as a healthy way to live each day.

The health benefits are just one blessing given to us by living the Word of Wisdom, but I think that more than a code of health, it is a simply a test of obedience.

The principle is: if you are obedient then you will be blessed with a promise of health.
But what happens if health in this world isn't given?
What exactly is the promise?

Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants tells us what the promise is:
18 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;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 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. Amen.

The Blessing of Health
Health in their navel and marrow to their bones is more than just a physical blessing. This reference in itself is one of life, not merely physical life but Eternal life. The navel is another word for "center point" and is the reminder of the lifeline that we have as a "child of God" to the Father, this life line is Christ. Christ is also the marrow or "rich and nutritious food" on which we rely; He is the "innermost or essential part" that we need to live.

Just like the marrow is the food or blood for the bone, the blood of Christ provides us with the living matter we need to be resurrected. This is the application of the Atonement in our lives. The health we enjoy now temporally is a added blessing for living the Word of Wisdom, but the eternal health we will be given is guaranteed because of the application of the Atonement.

Wisdom and Knowledge
Where do we gain wisdom and knowledge other than from the spirit and the Temple itself. One of the requirements to enter the Temple is obedience to the Word of Wisdom. Simply stated, we are blessed with the opportunity to attend the sessions in the Temple where we gain wisdom and knowledge that will effect us eternally.

Stamina and Energy
Isn't it interesting how the world has even tried to counterfeit this blessing with the energy drinks and stimulants of today. Pure energy comes from one source and that is God.

Eternal Life
With reference to the "destroying angel" the Lord is leading us back to the Passover during the time of Moses. It was here inside the house where the blood of the lamb was spread over the doorposts that the Children of Israel were saved.

Today just as in those days, it is because of receiving the blessings of being inside the house that we will also be saved. Entering the "House of Israel" is done by covenant. Those covenants are available because of the priesthood blessings and are part of being in the House of the Lord.

The word of wisdom is an Eternal principle and is one that promises Eternal blessings!

8 comments:

Rebecca Talley said...

I think it's interesting that the world is now telling us what we've known ever since Joseph Smith first received the Word of Wisdom.

And, I agree, it's as much about obedience as anything.

In The Doghouse said...

Rebecca,
I know Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God, and his inspiration was received directly from Him.

I agree, the Word of Wisdom is now being proven to be a wise way of living. This is something Joseph knew and we as members have known for a long time.

Kathryn Skaggs said...

Joseph and Emma were definitely ahead of their times, when they were both inspired regarding a health code -- which would bring countless blessings to those who would be and are willing to follow living prophets.

Great post doghouse.

tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon

In The Doghouse said...

LDSNana,
It is interesting to think that both Joseph and Emma received revelation and council regarding this very important code of health. It shows that they were both in tune with the spirit and the promptings felt.

They were literally years ahead of the research or proof that would follow regarding the council from the Lord. Today we are learning more and more that this healthy way of living is an inspired principle.

Thanks.

Unknown said...

A great post and a subject people are currious about. I think so many people overlook the spiritual blessings that come from the word of wisdom

In The Doghouse said...

trestin,
I believe that people do look primarily for temporal blessings for living the word of wisdom, instead of the eternal spiritual blessings.

I like to think of the Word of Wisdom as the beginning of our commitment in the gospel. It is an example of how to live the beginning covenants, which are obedience and sacrifice. These two principles must be understood before we can progress to the point where we are willing to make further covenants.

L.M. Steimle said...

great post, thats awesome that you broke it down like that. i love the word of wisdom and im so glad we have it.

In The Doghouse said...

Lauren,
Thanks for visiting and commenting. I am glad that you liked the post on the Word of Wisdom. It is a great bit of inspirational council received by Joseph Smith from the Lord to help us come closer to him.

I too love this awesome council!