The times we live in are uncertain ones. The scriptures speak to our day when the ancient prophets talked of men's hearts failing them before Christ comes (D&C 45:26; Luke 21:26). Yet we're also told that if we are prepared, we need not fear (see D&C 38:30).

This quote came from my previous article, "Your Children Quarantined for 3+ Months?". I would advise you read it; it contains some surprising information about the Church's preparation at its universities for the bird flu or other pandemics. Not that global plagues are surprising. The scriptures, both ancient scripture and modern, speak of such things. Such knowledge is known to most Christians.

But one chapter of scripture is particularly pertinent regarding this subject: Doctrine and Covenants 89. It is the revelation given to the prophet Joseph Smith as a counsel and deep admonishment of wisdom for the saints in the latter-days.

Here is just a brief portion of the text as it starts:

"A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests,...and the church, and also the saints in Zion-

"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-

"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" (D&C 89:1-3).

We read from this that the "Word of Wisdom" is given to all who desire to be part of the community of Christ. And it is given with promise and adapted to the capacity of the most weak amongst us!

I take great courage from the Word of Wisdom. We will be exploring it in greater depth in the coming weeks. It is inspired, being given to Joseph Smith nearly 200 years ago (in 1833), long before science had understood the bodies that God created for us.

Today we now know tobacco use can lead to cancer and other illnesses of the body. Now we know that even one ounce of alcohol can destroy 10,000 brain cells. And so on. But during 1833 these discoveries had not yet been made. This is why this document to me is so astonishing in its depth and wisdom.

Do you desire greater health, knowledge, protection, and even to know more of the mysteries of God? Then a study of the Word of Wisdom is an urgent thing to begin.

There are hidden and known blessings for living all of the Word of Wisdom, not just abstaining from coffee, tea, and tobacco. Our immune systems need to be strong in the face of potential pandemics and during modern day times of stress. Here is a link to the full text of the Word of Wisdom. It is powerful, inspired, and easy to follow. We'll be studying it together in the coming weeks and what a blessing this will be. Make sure to sign up for the LDS newsletter below to receive updates about new articles!



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