Gospel Principles
Unit 7: Perfecting Our Lives
Chapter 29: The Lord's Law of Health
Concept 2: We Are Commanded Not to Take Certain Things into Our Bodies
"The Lord commands us not to use wine and strong drinks, meaning drinks containing alcohol. The First Presidency has taught strong drink often brings cruelty, poverty, diseases, and plague into the home. It often is a cause of dishonesty, loss of chastity, and loss of good judgment. It is a curse to all who drink it. (see "Message for the First Presidency," Improvement Era, Nov. 1942, p. 686). Expectant mothers who drink can cause physical and mental damage to their children. Many automobiles accidents are caused each year by people who drink alcohol.
The Lord has also told us that "Tobacco is not for the body" (D&C 89:8). It is harmful to our bodies and our spirits. We should not smoke cigarettes or cigars or use chewing tobacco. Scientists have shown that tobacco causes many diseases and can harm unborn children.
The Lord also counsels us against the use of "hot drinks." Church leaders have said that this means coffee and tea, which contains harmful drugs. We should avoid all drinks that contain harmful drugs.
We should not use drugs except when they are necessary as medicine. Some drugs are even more harmful than alcohol and tobacco (which are also drugs). Those who misuse drugs need to repent of this habit.
We should avoid anything that we know is harmful to our bodies. We should not use any substance that is habit forming. The Word of Wisdom does not tell us everything to avoid, but it does give us guidelines. It is a valuable temporal law. It is also a great spiritual law. By living the Word of Wisdom, we become stronger spiritually. We purify our bodies so the Spirit of Lord can dwell with us.
Discussion
What are the things we should not take into our bodies?"