"That the destroying angel shall pass by them..."

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;

And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

D&C 89:18-21


I learned yesterday that the official cause of my grandmother's death was emphysema, brought on by her years of smoking. Truthfully, I can't say I'm surprised by this; we've all been taught that smoking kills. As much as I wish it wasn't so, Granny didn't take care of her body.

We all came to this earth to receive bodies and be tested. The Lord has given us the Word of Wisdom because our bodies are some of His greatest gifts to us, and as such, He wants us to take care of them. Throughout Section 89 He tells us to stay away from drugs and strong drinks, and to eat a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables, grains, and meat, among several other instructions. This "Mormon Health Code," as it has been called by nonmembers, often comes under criticism, but if we follow it the Lord has promised us many blessings in return (as stated in the above verses).

I've made a conscious choice to follow the Word of Wisdom, not merely because it's required of me, but also because I have seen for myself what not following that divine counsel will do. I saw it with Granny June, and I've seen it with many other people around me. The suffering that comes from drugs and alcohol, and all the other things we've been warned against, is very real. Is it any wonder that faithful members of the Church enjoy such longevity?

I have received, and continue to receive, all of those blessings promised in D&C 89 for following the Word of Wisdom. Through them and the Holy Ghost, I have learned for myself that it truly is the Lord's word, given through a prophet in the latter days. I'm grateful that God loves us so much that He cares how we treat our bodies, and I hope to live in such a manner that I may continue to receive His rich blessings. This I say in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.