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Our Bodies Are Temples of God
Our physical body is one of the greatest blessings we received when we came to earth. "So great that the Lord refers to them as the temple of God"(1 Corinthians 3:16). Our Heavenly Father wants us to take great care of our bodies so much that he reveals essential information that can be found in Doctrines & Covenants 89 on how to do so, which is also known as the Words of Wisdom.
Not only are His Commandments are good for our physical body, but also for our spiritual good. To be worthy of entering the temple we must obey the Words of Wisdom. The consequences of not obeying these words results in the Lord's spirit being withdrawn from us. Our bodies were made to be "temples of God" and if we defile it, we hurt ourselves physically and spiritually. "Those who obey the Lord’s law of health “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” (D&C 89:18-20).
The Lord's Law of Health tells us what we should and should not do to maintain a healthy body and the spirit of his law tells us to refrain from harmful substances, and anything that is capable of forming a habit. The Lord also commands us not to take in any tobacco or alcohol into our bodies (see D& C 89:5-8). Overall, it tells us that we should avoid any and everything that is harmful to our bodies including overeating and refrain from not eating enough healthy foods that is to help us maintain a healthy body.
The Words of Wisdom Teaches Us What is Good for Our Bodies
The Words of Wisdom does not tell us everything to avoid or consume, but it does give us guidelines. It is a valuable & great temporal & spiritual law. By living the Word of Wisdom, we become stronger spiritually and our bodies become purified so that the Spirit of our Lord can dwell within us.
What are some things that the Lord tells us that are good for us according to the Words of Wisdom?
We know that fruits, vegetables, grains, wheat and herbs that are wholesome are great for us and each should be used with wisdom and thanksgiving. Fish, animals, and the flesh of birds are all provided as our food but it is important to note that we should be eating meat in small amounts. (see D&C 49:18; 89:12)
The Words of Wisdom Teaches What We Are Commanded Not to Take Into Our Bodies
Our Lord commands for us not to drink alcohol or any strong drinks. It is taught that strong drinks often brings, poverty, disease, plague and cruelty into the home and causes loss of good judgment, dishonesty, and loss of chastity. Its a curse to all that drink it. The Lord commands us not to use wine and strong drinks, meaning drinks containing alcohol. The First Presidency has taught that strong drink often brings cruelty, poverty, disease, and plague into the home. It often is a cause of dishonesty, loss of chastity, and loss of good judgment. The Lord also tells us that tobacco is not good for our bodies of any kind. (See D&C 89:8)
The Lord Tells Us That Work, Rest & Exercise Are Important
The Doctrines & Covenants 89 and other scriptures teaches us how to be healthy. It tells us that we should “cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; … cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (see D&C 88:124). The Lord also counsels us to not labor more than we have strength for (see D&C10:4). In Proverbs 23:20-21 it warns us against drunkenness, gluttony, and laziness. A later prophet Thomas S. Monson states, “Nutritious meals, regular exercise, and appropriate sleep are necessary for a strong body, just as consistent scripture study and prayer strengthen the mind and spirit”.
Promised Blessings That Come From Obeying the Lord's Law of Health
God provided us with the Lord's laws of health to teach us how to take care of our bodies. God's law tells us in the scripture what His commandments are, and each of His commandments are for our own spiritual good. God promised us good physical health. When we abide the Lord's law of health and obey all of His commandments, He promises to bless us spiritually and physically. The Lord made us a promise what “shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”(D&C 89:19).
Are you taking care of your body the way God wants you to?
As you have learned, Gods wants us to take care of our body. If you are ready to take control of your health Kema's Bangin Body Bootkamp has a great beginner friendly exercise program to help you get started and stay consistent.
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