The Word of Wisdom is a wonderful guide and commandment. In 1833 the Lord counseled us to no longer use tobacco, alcohol, and hot drinks. He also counseled us on how to eat. Grains, fruits and herbs are to be the focus of your diet, with meat used sparingly. He counseled us on how to take care of our bodies for optimal health.
I had always thought that I was following the Word of Wisdom, which I was for the most part. When I was twenty years old I became sick nearly every time I ate for several months. I was finally diagnosed with IBS It is not a serious illness, but it is a rather inconvenient condition. I can quite suddenly and unexpectedly become very sick. For a few months, it was difficult for me to adjust to the things that I needed to do in order to live a normal lifestyle.
As I struggled to make the adjustments in my diet and habits, I came to realize that some of the changes I needed to make would bring me more in line with the specifics of the Word of Wisdom. I wasn’t always eating the healthy foods that I knew I should be eating. I also wasn’t taking care of my body. I needed to get more sleep and exercise on a regular basis. I found that as I made the adjustments and began to take care of myself as counseled in the Word of Wisdom, I was able to function normally.
I have felt the temporal and spiritual blessings that are promised in Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-20 “And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones. And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.”
As I follow the guidance of the Word of Wisdom and take good care of myself, and as I take care of myself spiritually through reading the scriptures and praying, I find that I am able to do the things I need and want to do. What blessings have you experienced by following the Word of Wisdom?