34 A Principle with Promise
A Principle with Promise
The School of the Prophets was a sacred place where the brethren were taught about building God’s kingdom on earth. Do we realize the significance of the work we are engaged in? Think of it. We are carrying on with what was laid before for us to do.
They must have formed strong bonds of brotherhood as they fellowshipped together, praying, fasting, discussion gospel truths, and sharing the gospel.
Can you imagine in those circumstances that there might be come with chewing tobacco or cigarettes littering the floors. It wasn’t uncommon in those days for people to do so in settings that should have had a reverential decorum. Emma didn’t much care to clean up the mess left behind and she let Joseph know.
Joseph took those concerns to the Lord. As a result, we now have “The Word of Wisdom”, section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Verse 4 states why this counsel (or commandment) was given to the saints:
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation.
Of course, we know that the more important reason is for our physical and spiritual health, and that of our family as well.
It was 3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints, for our health and well-being, and for our receptivity to the Spirit and relationship with God.
As we adhere to the Word of Wisdom (18 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;), we 19 … shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; 20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
Saints, 1:166–68.
For Kids
The Word of Wisdom helps me be healthy in body and spirit.
Doctrine and Covenants 89
Ask the children what they do to stay healthy and strong.
Tell them that their body is a special gift from Heavenly Father, and it is the house from their spirit. Also, they can have the Holy Ghost with them when they follow Jesus Christ and seek to do what’s right. In that way their body is a temple. It should be kept clean by thinking and doing good things, and by making healthy choices in what to eat and drink, and also by getting enough rest. Some things are not good for our bodies or our spirits.
What are some things do we do every day to keep our bodies clean? Wash face, comb hair, brush teeth, bath, shower, etc.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 89:10–17 What wonderful things did Heavenly Father provide for us?
What things are good to eat? How can medicines help us when we are sick?
What things shouldn’t we take into our bodies?
Why is it important to Heavenly Father and to you to take care of your body?
Video: The Word of Wisdom: The Lord’s Law of Health: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/xe6yk65ayzyvu39fe6ydublu8u558b5q2wx7kw3f?lang=eng
Elder Gary E. Stevenson asked us to make a plan now to stay away from alcohol or drugs. He taught: “You will find that temptation has less control over you. You will have already made the decision of how you will react and what you will do. You won’t need to decide every time” (Your Priesthood Playbook).
Read Doctrine and Covenants 89:4
Will you decide now to never take harmful substances? What will you do if a friends asks you to take something that you know you should not?
Read verses 18–21. What promises does the Lord give us for following the Word of Wisdom.
Our bodies are gifts from God.
The Lord gave me the Word of Wisdom to help me be healthy in body and spirit.
Doctrine and Covenants 89
When the elders in the School of the Prophets first heard Joseph Smith read the Word of Wisdom, they immediately “tossed their pipes and plugs of chewing tobacco into the fire” (Saints, 1:168).
What do you think of that? Are you as quick to follow the counsel of the Lord given through His prophet? The best way that you can show your love for the Lord is by keeping His commandments.
verse 3 This section is a principle with a promise. How can you more fully follow the Lord’s health law, so that He can more fully bless you.
I have seen a greater compacity in myself to stay on task and to feel a sense of pride and wellness in my accomplishments as I have refrained from eating chocolate. It wasn’t just a treat; it was an addiction.
How does keeping the Word of Wisdom enhance our decision-making?
verses 18–21Promises from the Lord. I feel the Spirit just in reading these verses. The blessings of physical and spiritual health and the promise of protection against the evil one are powerful. I know the Lord is faithful in keeping His promises, and that miracles happen every day for those who seek to do His will with faith in His Son.
verse 4 How does your knowledge of the Word of Wisdom help you recognize deception and value the safety that is found in following the prophets? How has it helped you to avoid deception in other areas?
As you think about the Word of Wisdom, it is important to remember that it is more than a temporal health code; it’s as safety net for your spiritual well-being and salvation.
Doctrine and Covenants 29:34–35 34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
35 Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual.
What have been prompted to do to take better care of your body and spirit? What can you do more?
When you are given opportunities to teach others what the Word of Wisdom is, don’t forget to bear testimony. Remember to testify of Jesus and the goodness of the Father in keeping His promises with all those who follow His commandments. Explain that we are children of God and that our bodies are a wonderful gift. He wants us to care for them so that we can be sensitive to spiritual things and so that our minds and hearts will be able to grasp knowledge and truth.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Video: Principles and Promises: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2016-10-3050-thomas-s-monson?lang=eng
Learn and teach through principles. Rather than creating lists of dos and don’ts, we can live by principles to exercise our agency and faith in Christ. For example, consider principle-based questions like these regarding the Word of Wisdom: Which principles can give encouragement to someone who struggles to obey the Word of Wisdom? Which principles can comfort me when I have health problems despite living the Word of Wisdom?
Heavenly Father wants us to take care of our bodies.
For Kids
God gives me prophets to guide and protect me.
Doctrine and Covenants 90:5
Look at pictures of different prophets.
How has Heavenly Father blessed His children through prophets? Why is it important for us to listen to the prophet?
Doctrine and Covenants 90:5 5 And all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.
Who is the prophet today? Show a picture.
What has President Nelson taught us to do?
How can you follow the prophet?
The First Presidency holds the “keys of the kingdom.”
Doctrine and Covenants 90:1–17
The Lord gave instructions about “the ministry and presidency” in this section.
verse 12 This counsel isn’t only to Joseph, Sidney, and Frederick, but to our presidency today.
12 And now, verily I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment that you continue in the ministry and presidency.
verses 1–17 What do you learn about the First Vision from these verses? (See notes below.)
Listen to the First Presidency’s messages in conference.
verse 16 How do the set in order the affairs of the Church and kingdom?
verse 5 They have a weighty calling. We have the opportunity to be led by those called of God.
Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice
How has your faith and knowledge in Heavenly Father and Jesus been strengthened by the teachings and example of the First Presidency?
“All things shall work together for [my] good.”
Doctrine and Covenants 90:24
24 Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.
This is a true statement. Even Robby’s death and the sadness it has brought to us served to strengthen our family, our faith and testimonies, and our empathy for others.
Can you think of other examples? I believe that this opportunity for Bob to interview in Georgia is a way for all things to work together for our good. I don’t know if he will be offered the position; but, I’ve been praying for a way for us to get out of debt. And we don’t want to live in California once Bob retires. I think this might be the Lord’s will for us. I don’t know yet. We know that the Lord has always taken care of us and our family and watched over us in every particular. Our goal is to remain faithful and to be patient when necessary.
Video: All Things for our Good: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/25gong?lang=eng
Who was Vienna Jaques?
Doctrine and Covenants 90:28–31
Vienna was a woman of faith. When she received a witness of the things the missionaries taught her, she traveled to Kirtland to meet the prophet, and she was baptized there.
The Lord revealed counsel to Vienna in Doctrine and Covenants 90:28–31, and she was obedient to it.
28 And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will that my handmaid Vienna Jaques should receive money to bear her expenses, and go up unto the land of Zion;
29 And the residue of the money may be consecrated unto me, and she be rewarded in mine own due time.
30 Verily I say unto you, that it is meet in mine eyes that she should go up unto the land of Zion, and receive an inheritance from the hand of the bishop;
31 That she may settle down in peace inasmuch as she is faithful, and not be idle in her days from thenceforth.
The consecration of her donations were a great help to the growth of the Church. Later she settled with the Saints in Salt Lake.
For Kids
The Spirit can help me know what is true.
Doctrine and Covenants 91
Summarize the section heading with the class, so they know what the section is about:
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 9, 1833. The Prophet was at this time engaged in the translation of the Old Testament. Having come to that portion of the ancient writings called the Apocrypha, he inquired of the Lord and received this instruction.
verses 1–2 We can find many truths in different sources. But the approved scriptures our more important to us.
verses 4–6 The Holy Ghost can help us recognize what is true in our studies, in our work, and at school. We can know and feel what is true through the power of the Holy Ghost.
4 Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
6 And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen.
“The Spirit manifesteth truth.”
Doctrine and Covenants 91
See study section above. We can benefit from many different books, if we seek learning by study and also by faith. The Spirit can tell us what is true.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently, he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result.
3 Given for a principle with promise Who doesn’t want blessings from the Lord?
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation
Vs 18-21 These promises are so good.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/90?lang=eng
Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, given at Kirtland, Ohio, March 8, 1833. This revelation is a continuing step in the establishment of the First Presidency (see the heading to section 81); as a consequence thereof, the counselors mentioned were ordained on March 18, 1833.
verses 1–17 What do you learn about the First Vision from these verses?
10 And then cometh the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph, of the gospel of their salvation.
11 For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ.
24 Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.
36 But verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will contend with Zion, and plead with her strong ones, and chasten her until she overcomes and is clean before me.
37 For she shall not be removed out of her place. I, the Lord, have spoken it. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/91?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 9, 1833. The Prophet was at this time engaged in the translation of the Old Testament. Having come to that portion of the ancient writings called the Apocrypha, he inquired of the Lord and received this instruction.
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;
4 Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/92?lang=eng
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 15, 1833. The revelation instructs Frederick G. Williams, who had recently been appointed a counselor to Joseph Smith, on his duties in the United Firm (see the headings to sections 78 and 82).
Vs 1 Today also, Jesus is the One who issues our callings through revelation. Can you believe that?
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