Peculiar to modern Christendom is the Latter-day Saint observance of a physical health law. While so,e of the abstinence are embraced by other minority groups and orthodox religions, eyebrows are still raised when individuals are brought to awares. Some are astonished, motivated to do good, or sincerely curious as to why. Others are bewildered, unbelieving, apathetic, or nonchalant.
My objective is to help my Father's children understand this Word of Wisdom which the Lord has given through the prophet Joseph Smith; along with Bible references for sincere seekers to see.
In 1833, the Lord revealed to the prophet a word of wisdom, now recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants section 89. In it we are advised to abstain from wine, strong drink, tobacco, and hot drinks. We are also advised to partake of wholesome herbs, fruit, and grain. Lastly, to the bane of many, to eat meat sparingly (along with protocols of keeping it only in winter - they didn't have any fridges).
The Lord promises those who are obedient an increased portion of His Spirit, greater health and strength (relative to their own circumstances), more wisdom and knowledge, and divine protection (in accordance with His plans).
Later, Later-day Saints were asked to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, illegal drugs, and other harmful/addictive substances as commandment from the Lord. This is a requirement for baptism, and entrance into any LDS temple worldwide. Furthermore, regular exercise, fruit, vegetables, grain, herbs, and sparing portions of meat are strongly encouraged. The Lord cares about our lives in more than just some ways. However, for the purpose of this post, I'll focus on that which was given by way of commandment; no alcohol, no tobacco, no coffee, no tea, no illegal drugs, and no other harmful/addictive substances.
In an epistle to Corinth, the apostle Paul addresses divisions among the saints. He says that they are not yet able to handle meat, or greater truth. Rather, they are given milk, or basic truth, - which is that they are the temple of God, and that if they are faithful they will inherit all things. They are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
"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. ...And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17,23.
In a similar tone, though addressing sexual immorality, Paul says, "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Who do we belong to? Ourselves? Of course not. We are sons and daughters of God. We are bought with an incredible price. We are His. As such, it becomes our responsibility to care for this body which we have been given. For, one day, we will stand accountable for the decisions we have made (see Revelation 20:12-13).
My companions and I are often asked why? Why should be abstain from such and such? Often followed by copious justifications. As I've mentioned before, our purpose is never to force anyone to do or believe what we've come to know. We help people understand, and invite them to come unto Christ through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel. So why?
Why no alcohol?
Proverbs 20:1 says it best, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
See also Proverbs 23:29-35.
We don't need to get into the technicalities of drunkenness, behaviour alterations, poor decision-making, health risks, safety jeopardies, broken relations, etc... Though real.
God has asked us not to, so we don't.
According to the Lord, our wine is to be "pure wine of the vine of the grape" and "made new among [us]" - if we decide to have any (see D&C 89:6 and D&C 27:4). Note the words pure and new. Fortunately, our current emblem for the sacrament is water. Makes things a whole lot easier.
Additionally, "strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of [our] bodies" (see D&C 89:7). Let the physicians and the surgeons, and other medical and healthcare practitioners, be wise in their washing, cleaning, treating, prescription, and use of alcohol with regards to the human body.
Why no tobacco?
Did you know that smoking and chewing tobacco wasn't a thing until 1531? That's why you won't find Biblical prophets warning us of the dangers that come from smoking. That's what the prophets in these latter days are for.
But let's be honest for a second, prophets aren't the only ones telling us that smoking is bad. Granted, they were the first, but as it usually does, science caught up.
To quote a recent convert, "Even the cigarette box says it's dangerous."
"O be wise; what can I say more?" - Jacob 6:12.
The Lord doesn't want us to struggle unnecessarily. He loves us, and has asked us to abstain from tobacco.
He has told us "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 judgement and skill" (see D&C 89:8).
I, for one,have no idea how to treat cattle. Until I learn how, I have no business using tobacco in the slightest.
Why no coffee?
Most people don't realise the harmful effects coffee has on the human body. Or, like with cigarettes, simply don't care - or believe.
Have you ever hear someone say, I need my coffee?
Heavenly Father doesn't want that. If any substance dictates the way we feel, it's a problem. Unless it's been prescribed to correct an existing condition. Now, I know that different people react differently to coffee, or any other kind of substance.
The Lord has said that the Word of Wisdom was "[g]iven for a principle with a promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints" (see D&C 89:3).
Imagine the chaos if the Lord began giving individualised requirements for entrance into His kingdom. His house is a house of order (see D&C 132:8). And, as with all commandments, we follow because He has asked us to.
No, coffee's earliest known use was middle 15th century.
And, to clarify, caffeine is not the reason. Coffee is; specifically, the coffee bean.
I also learnt, on mission, that there's a difference between coffee and coffee flavouring. However, that's getting technical and requires us to read the ingredients label - properly.
I'd, personally, stay away from technicalities. I've seen how easy it is to make a mistake, and immediately feel to justify it.
Why no tea?
Because the Lord has asked us not to.
Many have acclaimed tannin to be the problem causer. Apparently, when finding the titanic, they found floating stomachs (stained with tannin from all the tea they'd been drinking).
However, God knows all things, and has said that it's not good.
Now, South Africa is renown for it's natural and herbal teas. Rooibos, specifically, is a-okay.
"[A]ll wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man" (see D&C 89:10).
Why no illegal drugs?
"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." - Articles of Faith 1:12 (see also Proverbs 24:21 and Ecclesiastes 8:2).
I remember sharing this article with a friend back home. They saw it as something sinister. I was baffled, but respectful of their opinion. For me, it was easier. My mother had always taught me that, as Christians, we follows two laws; God's law, and man's law - in that order.
I don't need to get into details as to why it is illegal, harmful, or addictive. We get enough of that at school. Though, I'd like to add, even prescriptions drugs are bad if they haven't been prescribed, or if they're abused.
Why no other harmful/addictive substances?
Again, our body is a gift. Look after it. Any addiction or harmful substance takes away from our potential as Heavenly Father's children.
I know that these things are true, and that they've been given out of love.