Prepare Yourself
I went on a road trip with some friends this weekend. One of them was explaining some of what his religion professor had been teaching this semester. He said something that stood out to me because it's a topic that I've recently been hearing a lot about; preparation to come before the Lord. I've studied in the scriptures how Nephi and other prophets would climb mountains to converse with the Lord (1 Nephi 17). My friend tied it in to why we observe the Word of Wisdom. The physical benefits of the Word of Wisdom are great, live a healthier lifestyle. However, is this really the purpose that God gave us for this commandment?
In fast and testimony meeting on Sunday, one of the YSA bore her testimony on this principle of preparation. She brought to light a different way of viewing experiences that Book of Mormon prophets have as they climb the mountain to converse with the Lord. She said that it could be viewed as preparation time, an opportunity to prepare physically and spiritually to see and learn from God. Similarly, when they come off the mountain, it's time that they have to reflect on what has been taught and opportunities for continual learning.
Joseph Smith received the revelation concerning the Word of Wisdom while consulting with Elders of the Church while they were smoking and chewing tobacco. "In this dingy setting, Joseph Smith attempted to teach the men how they and their converts could become holy, “without spot,” and worthy of the presence of God..." (LDS.org). The two seem to be in opposition with each other, for how could one become holy, while participating in something that makes one so dirty?
"The revelation invites hearers to trust in a God who has the power to deliver great rewards, spiritual and physical, in return for obedience to divine command. Those who adhere to the Word of Wisdom, the revelation says, shall 'receieve health in their navel and marrow to their bones & shall find wisdom & great treasures of wisdom & knowledge even hidden treasures' (D&C 89)" (LDS.org).
Thus, we learn that this law of health given from the Lord is really a guideline for how we can live our lives so that we might be prepared to receive spiritual knowledge. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us enough to want us to know His truths. He doesn't keep anything from us, but invites us all to come to Him and to learn His truths for ourselves.
In fast and testimony meeting on Sunday, one of the YSA bore her testimony on this principle of preparation. She brought to light a different way of viewing experiences that Book of Mormon prophets have as they climb the mountain to converse with the Lord. She said that it could be viewed as preparation time, an opportunity to prepare physically and spiritually to see and learn from God. Similarly, when they come off the mountain, it's time that they have to reflect on what has been taught and opportunities for continual learning.
Joseph Smith received the revelation concerning the Word of Wisdom while consulting with Elders of the Church while they were smoking and chewing tobacco. "In this dingy setting, Joseph Smith attempted to teach the men how they and their converts could become holy, “without spot,” and worthy of the presence of God..." (LDS.org). The two seem to be in opposition with each other, for how could one become holy, while participating in something that makes one so dirty?
"The revelation invites hearers to trust in a God who has the power to deliver great rewards, spiritual and physical, in return for obedience to divine command. Those who adhere to the Word of Wisdom, the revelation says, shall 'receieve health in their navel and marrow to their bones & shall find wisdom & great treasures of wisdom & knowledge even hidden treasures' (D&C 89)" (LDS.org).
Thus, we learn that this law of health given from the Lord is really a guideline for how we can live our lives so that we might be prepared to receive spiritual knowledge. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us enough to want us to know His truths. He doesn't keep anything from us, but invites us all to come to Him and to learn His truths for ourselves.
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