The Lord's Law of Health

Here's an email I sent out as part of the lesson we have tomorrow. Not great, but I've also got to get a talk ready.

I should write out a few stories and do some research and post it. I'll do that a little later.

One of the blessings of our missions is the chance to become intimately involved in the lives of people who aren't keeping the commandments (often because they don't know them) and to see the impact of this on their lives. I first saw people with major addiction problems on the mission. It's there that I came to appreciate the blessing of the word of wisdom a lot more.

A few questions I have:

1) Why did the Lord give the Word of Wisdom?

2) Why did he give it when he did?

3) Why did it become more than a "word of wisdom" but a commandment later (during Brigham Young's time somewhat, but definitely during Pres. Grant's tenure as prophet)?

4) How do we benefit from the Word of Wisdom? Are there spiritual ways we benefit? What are those?

5) What do we think of those who don't obey the Word of Wisdom (be they church members or non-church members)?

I look forward to discussing this chapter with you. I am very grateful for the word of wisdom and know it's an inspired doctrine.

Finally, here's a few facts:

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Each year, an estimated 443,000 people die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and another 8.6 million live with a serious illness caused by smoking. Despite these risks, approximately 46.6 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there are about 43,000 people killed in fatal car accidents each year in the United States. Roughly, 40 percent of the fatal crashes are alcohol-related.