Word of Wisdom

When we were kids, our parents taught us some basic guidelines to help keep us safe. Don’t touch a hot stove. Look both ways before crossing the street. Always wear a seat belt. Don’t play with sharp objects. From a child’s perspective these probably seemed to us as restrictive and not very fun, but in reality, our parents just wanted to make sure we were safe and protected.

The Word of Wisdom can be compared to these rules that our parents gave us. President George Albert Smith said, “I look upon the Word of Wisdom as kind advice of our Father in heaven, who desires to see His children become more like Him… I take it as the fatherly counsel of one who, knowing what I needed, said to me: ‘My son, these things are not good for you, and if you will avoid them I will give you the companionship of my Holy Spirit and joy while you live in the world and in the end eternal life.’” (Teachings of George Albert Smith p. 204)

On Sunday we will be learning from Chapter 19 in the George Albert Smith manual on the Word of Wisdom. Read the lesson, think about these questions, and come prepared to discuss! Is the Word of Wisdom only a temporal law? What are the blessings promised to us if we keep the Word of Wisdom? How has obeying the Word of Wisdom blessed your life?

(By Melanie Jarnagin)

To read chapter 19, click HERE.