The Word of Wisdom and Self-reliance

(Self-reliance Lesson Outline for 8/9/15)

Objective: Understand how observance of the Word of Wisdom builds self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 1: The Word of Wisdom was given as a code of health and has promises and blessings.

A. DISCUSSION: What is the Word of Wisdom and who does it benefit?

The Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89, is the Lord’s code of health and was revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833. It teaches that we should eat nutritious foods and avoid harmful substances. Apostles and prophets have since taught that we should shun all substances or practices that harm our bodies or minds and that could lead to addiction.   D&C 89:1-4  1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion— 2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days— 3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints. 4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation— .”

B. DISCUSSION:  In what ways is the Word of Wisdom adapted for the “weakest of all saints?” Obedience to the Word of Wisdom is a matter of making a decision to live it and putting plans in place to live it day by day.

C. DISCUSSION: What were the “evil designs that did and do exist?” In those days, the 1800’s, there were no regulations regarding the production of food. Toxic substances often found their way into the food supply. Even with FDA regulations today, we sometimes find unhealthy food products in our food supply. 

D. DISCUSSION: When did the Word of Wisdom stop being a “suggestion” and start being a commandment? In 1851 President Brigham Young gave to this Church the Word of Wisdom as a final and definite commandment. From the time it was given to the Prophet Joseph until 1851 it was considered as a matter of preference or suggestion to the people, a word of advice and counsel. From 1851 until this day it is a commandment to all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ. (Brigham Young University, stake conference) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball. p. 201) TLDP:739

PRINCIPLE 2: Alcohol, tea, coffee, and tobacco are harmful to our bodies –facts that were not understood in 1833.

 DISCUSSION: What effects do these substances have on our bodies? What other things can be harmful for us?

D&C 89:5-9  “5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.   6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.   7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.   8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.   9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”  In those days, the general water supply was often not sanitary.  The safest liquid for consumption was often fresh wine of the grape that had only a very small percent of alcohol.  Since those days alcohol content has risen considerably.  As a sign of our obedience and for our protection, we are taught by prophets and apostles to shun any substance or practice that harms us or leads to addiction.

PRINCIPLE 3: Good sanitation practices, hygiene, getting adequate medical and dental care are important health practices.

             DISCUSSION: What are some ways to practice good sanitation and hygiene? Why is it important to see a doctor and/ or dentist when a health issue arises?

PRINCIPLE 4: Adequate rest and not overstressing the body promotes a healthy body and mind.

A.DISCUSSION: What are the self-reliance promises in the following scripture?  Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.  (This is another scriptural instruction that tells us how to preserve our self-reliance.)

B.DISCUSSION: How does the following scripture apply to our bodies our minds and our emotions?  Also how does it apply to our temporal self-reliance?  D&C 10:4 Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength. This is another scriptural instruction that tells us how to preserve our self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 5: Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings, which promotes self-reliance.        

             A. DISCUSSION: What if I have an addiction to something, it’s so hard to overcome.      1 Ne. 3:7 I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

B. DISCUSSION: Why is obedience such an important principle in everyday living?  Isa. 1:19–20 “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.   I Samuel:15:22  And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice….”  (This scripture suggests that our obedience to God causes us to have the necessities of life and thus, builds our self-reliance.)

C. DISCUSSION: Discussion: Our bodies are so important that the Lord calls them temples of God.  How does taking care of our temple bodies bring spiritual blessings?  Compare how we reverence the temple to how we should reverence the body.  1 Corinthians 3:16–17 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

D. DISCUSSION: How does obeying the Word of Wisdom build self-reliance? We will be able to “rely” more upon our body because it will be healthier. “The Word of Wisdom does not promise you perfect health, but it teaches how to keep the body you were born with in the best condition and your mind alert to delicate spiritual promptings.“ (The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises, Boyd K. Packer)