Because of physical condition affects us spiritually, our Heavenly Father gives us commandments designed to improvve our physical and spiritual health. As part of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, God revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith how we can care for our bodies so the Spirit of the Lord may be with us. The revelation is known as the Word of Wisdom. Obedience to this commandment will bring you closer to the Holy Ghost. Great blessings are promised to those who show their faith by obeying this commandment.

What is the Word of Wisdom?

For your spiritual benefit and physical benefit, the Lord asks you to abstain from: Alcohol, Tobacco, Coffee and tea, Illegal drugs, Other harmful or addictive substances. Abstaining from these substances make up the Word of Wisdom.

Blessings of the Word of Wisdom

Keeping the Word of Wisdom will improve your spiritual and physical well- being. Although you are still subject to normal health challenges, obedience to this commandment will help you have a healthier body and mind.

In the New Testament the Apostle Paul refers to the body as a temple: "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."

As you keep the Word of Wisdom, the delicate, sensitive, spiritual part of your nature will be prepared to receive guidance from God. Learn to listen to spiritual promptings and feelings, You will be warned of dangers and will be guided by the Holy Ghost. Your wisdom and knowledge will increase. You will have greater peace of mind, increased self- control, and a confident attitude toward life and the future.

Giving Up Harmful Substances

If you use tabacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, illegal drugs, or other harmful and addictive substances, stop now. You will be blessed with a healthier body and spirit. Some people have developed habits to addictions to substances that make it difficult to stop using them. If you have difficulty giving up these habit- forming substances, ask God in prayer to help you replace harmful thoughts, activities, and temptations with uplifting, wholesome influences. As you fill your life with what is positive and uplifiting, there will be less room for what is harmful and negative. The following suggestions will help you:

- Resolve to quit. Pray and fast (give up food) with confidence that the Lord will help you overcome your addiction

- Study the scripture. Memorize passages and recite them frequently. They will bring you spiritual power.

- Dispose of harmful substances, and do net get more.

- List times and places and situationsin which you are tempted to violate the Word of Wisdom. Talk with parents, spouse, church members, and other trusted friends about how you can avoid things on your list. For example, find new pastimes or hobbies in which you will not be tempted. Listen to uplifting music, serve others, read wholesome books, or exercise when you're tempted.

- Participate in Church activities. You will grow closer to the Lord and have increased strength to overcome your desires for harmful substances.

- Attend a support goup or obtain professional help

- Never forget that the Lord will help you as you rely on Him. Giving up these substances can be very difficult, and some people may relapse into old habits more than once before they quit entirely. Keep trying, and never lose hope.

By being humble and honest and calling upon God and others for help, you can overcome your addictions through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

As you live the Word of Wisdom, the blessings promised by the Lord will be yours.