Seminary Lesson: Word of Wisdom

History:

We have talked a lot in the last few days about the School of the Prophets that the Lord had the early elders of the church begin.  If you remember, the Saints were living in Kirtland, Ohio and they were trying to learn how best to spread the gospel and prepare themselves for the work.

When they gathered to meet at this early MTC, they would gather above Newel K. Whitney's store and discuss spiritual matters.

Brigham Young recalled: "When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first (hing) they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom...Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions, he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke.This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor from chewing tobacco, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the elders in using tobacco, and the revelation knows as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry." (1)

Read D&C 89:2

Notice that the Word of Wisdom was not initially given as a commandment.  It was a principle, or an enduring truth that you can adopt to guide you in making decisions.

President Joseph F, Smith said, "At that time, if the Word of Wisdom had been given as a commandment it would have brought every man, addicted to the use of these noxious things, under condemnation; so the Lord was merciful and gave them a chance to overcome, before He brought them under the law." (2)

From that point, the leaders of the Church invited the Saints to live the law more fully.  It wasn't until 1919, that the prophet Heber J. Grant made observing the Word of Wisdom a requirement for receiving a temple recommend.  Now it is a commandment for us before we can be baptized, go to the temple, be full time missionaries, or go to the temple.

Activity

So you all have heard the commandment of the Word of Wisdom.  You know that it tells us things that we should do and things that we shouldn't.

Have students list yes and no things.

Read D&C 89: 5-9

Notice that 7-8 says that alcohol and tobacco.  Today there are other substances that can be misused so that they become harmful and addictive.  Church leaders have warned against the use of 'any drink, drug, chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a 'high' or other artificial effect that may harm your body or your mind.

Have any of you been fishing before?

In what ways does someone fishing try to deceive a fish into biting the hook?

What are some of the ways that media and others try to deceive us into trying things that are not good for us?

Why?
-Profit
-Popularity

Read D&C 89:4

Dallin H. Oaks said "You can never get enough of what you don't need because what you don't need won't satisfy you."

Read D&C 89:10-17

We should eat all things sparingly or in moderation.

Look for things the kids forgot.


Write Blessings next to Yes and No

What are some of the blessings we receive by obeying the word of wisdom?

Read D&C 89: 18-19

Does not mean we will be cured from illnesses, instead it will help us have the best health and strength that our bodies are capable of.

President Boyd K. Packer said, "I have come to know that a fundamental purpose of the Word of Wisdom has to do with revelation...if someones under the influence can hardly listen to plain talk, how can they respond to spiritual promptings that touch their most delicate feelings? As valuable as the Word of Wisdom is as a law of health, it may be much more valuable to you spiritually than it is physically." (3)

Ezra Taft Benson said, "My young brothers and sisters, in all love, we give you warning that Satan and his emissaries will strive to entice you to use harmful substances, because they well know if you partake, your spiritual powers will be  inhibited and you will be in their evil power. Stay away from those places or people which would influence you to break the commandments of God. Keep the commandments of God and you will have the wisdom to know and discern that which is evil." (4)

"There has bee no official interpretation of the Word of Wisdom except that which was given by the Brethren in the very early days of the church when it was declared that 'hot drinks' meant tea and coffee.  With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the church have advised, and we do now specifically advise against the use of any drink containing harmful habit forming drugs under circumstance that would result in acquiring the habit.  Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided."  (5)

Have you ever had to explain to someone why you don't drink alcohol, tea, or coffee? What did you say?

Is it a "I can't?" or "I won't"  It's a choice.

Review:

Word of Wisdom Jeopardy


1. Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith.
2. Conference Report, October 1913
3. Prayers and Answers, Boyd K. Packer, November 1979
4. A Principle and a Promise, Ezra Taft Benson, May 1983
5. Staying Healthy: Welfare Services Suggests How", January 1981.