Inspiration

Do the Do’s

When you read the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89), you may automatically think it is about the things you shouldn’t partake of. The don’ts are spelled out. Church leaders, the scriptures and the Word of Wisdom also talk about plenty of things you can do every day that will benefit your health. “Were we more careful to obey the part of the Word of Wisdom that deals with the ‘do’s’ it might be easier to obey the ‘don’ts’” (John A. Widtsoe, Conference Report, Apr. 1926, p. 110). So let’s do the do’s.

Exercise: Spiritual well-being is certainly important, but how you feel physically is also significant. Are you getting enough physical activity every day? Consider what President Ezra Taft Benson had to say about the matter: “Rest and physical exercise are essential, and a walk in the fresh air can refresh the spirit” (Ensign, Nov. 1974, p. 66).

Sleep: Are you always tired, or are you sleeping too much? It’s true, there’s nothing in section 89 about how much rest we should have each night, but go back a couple of pages to Doctrine and Covenants 88:124. [D&C 88:124] “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.” It might seem like a little thing, but your body needs adequate rest. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean you should sleep all day.

Food: Eating correctly is another way of honoring your body. The scriptures tell us that all grains are good for us (D&C 89:14), and that meat is “ordained for the use of man” but should be “used sparingly” (D&C 89:12). President Benson has also counseled us about the importance of maintaining a good diet. “In general, the more food we eat in its natural state and the less it is refined without additives, the healthier it will be for us” (Ensign, Nov. 1974, p. 66).

What would happen if the next time you’re watching a video with friends, you choose to eat vegetables and drink fruit juice rather than snacking on chips and soda pop? It’s easy to only worry about not using the things that are bad for you. But by also concentrating your efforts on the things that will benefit your health, think how much better off you’ll be.

("Not for the Body", by Elder Harold G. Hillam)