Why I Choose to Honor the Word of Wisdom

I follow a lot of women with Endometriosis on social media. I also follow research institutions and doctors' offices that focus on the treatment and causes of Endo. One such organization is located in New York and is doing its best to raise awareness of the latest and safest treatments available for women like us. 

One day I came across a post that encouraged Endometriosis patients to drink a cup of green tea daily. The doctor who wrote the post said that he has "witnessed many patients see significant improvements with their symptoms." 

This got me thinking a lot about the Word of Wisdom. One of the symptoms I experience from my Endo is chronic fatigue. There are some days that I just want to sleep all day. Drinking tea would surely invigorate me and help me to stay alert and awake...right?

Instead of just blindly following the advice of a physician I had never met,  however, I decided to do my own research and ponder on the matter.

I read through the passage in D&C again. At first, I didn't see anywhere that God commands us not to drink green tea. I talked to my husband about my concerns, and he was supportive of whatever decision I wanted to pursue.( I love him so much! 💖)

Still feeling troubled, I looked on the lds.org website to find supporting articles that may clarify it further. I found that shortly after the release of the original revelation, Hyrum Smith gave a sermon that focused on the meaning behind "hot drink". 

He said, "And again “hot drinks are not for the body, or belly;” there are many who wonder what this can mean; whether it refers to tea, or coffee, or not. I say it does refer to tea, and coffee."

So there you go. Some may look at this statement and think, "Well he certainly isn't referring to ALL tea." or, "This revelation was written ages ago! It can't possibly still be relevant today." When we think this way, we tread in treacherous waters. I whole heartedly believe that our Heavenly Father wants us to be healthy and happy. He also wants us to faithfully follow his commandments, even when we don't fully understand them. 

As I analyzed the passage in D&C 89 further, I recognized that the Lord repeatedly asks us to refrain from strong and hot drinks. 

I pondered the meaning behind the law deeper, and the spirit witnessed to me that by following the Word of Wisdom, I will have the energy I seek (See these awesome blessings: D&C 89:18–21). 

It also testified to me that the Word of Wisdom is not only for our physical well being, but it will help us to draw closer to God in our thoughts and actions. Therefore, if I want to be closer to my Heavenly Father, I should obey this principle. 

At the end of the day, following the Word of Wisdom is a personal decision. One of the greatest gifts we have as Latter-day Saints is that of personal revelation. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost and the guidance I can receive when I have a burning question.

If you are still wondering if the Word of Wisdom is true, pray about it. Search it out in your heart and your mind, and I know you will find the answers you seek. 

For more great information about the Word of Wisdom, check out the resources below:

Not for the Body
The Word of Wisdom: A Law for the Physical and Spiritual Health of the Saints
Word of Wisdom from True to the Faith