Comments on: When did the Word of Wisdom become a commandment? https://askgramps.org/when-did-the-word-of-wisdom-become-a-commandment/ Moral answers to everyday concerns, curiosities, and uncertainties. Gramps considers all questions on all topics from all sources. Wed, 29 Sep 2021 03:29:51 +0000 hourly 1 By: Randy https://askgramps.org/when-did-the-word-of-wisdom-become-a-commandment/#comment-33875 Mon, 09 Feb 2015 12:51:00 +0000 http://www.askgramps.org/?p=11690#comment-33875 As quoted in the Doctrine and Covenants institute study guide:
D&C 89:2. Is the Word of Wisdom a Commandment Today?

Although the Word of Wisdom was received on 27 February 1833, its acceptance by individual members of the Church was gradual. On 9 September 1851, some eighteen years after it was given, the Patriarch to the Church, John Smith, delivered a talk in general conference on the Word of Wisdom. During his address, President Brigham Young arose and proposed that all Saints formally covenant to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco, whiskey, and “all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom” (“Minutes of the General Conference,” Millennial Star, 1 Feb. 1852, p. 35). The motion was accepted unanimously and became binding as a commandment for all Church members thereafter.

Bishops and stake presidents are responsible for determining whether members are worthy to receive Church ordinances such as baptism or those available in the temple or to enter the temple to receive ordinances for others. Keeping the Word of Wisdom is a part of that worthiness.”

D&C 89:2. Why Does the Lord Say “Not by Commandment or Constraint”?

“The reason undoubtedly why the Word of Wisdom was given–as not by ‘commandment or restraint’ was that at that time, at least, if it had been given as a commandment it would have brought every man, addicted to the use of these noxious things, under condemnation; so the Lord was merciful and gave them a chance to overcome, before He brought them under the law. Later on, it was announced from this stand, by President Brigham Young that the Word of Wisdom was a revelation and a command of the Lord. [See Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 183–84].” (Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1913, p. 14.)

President Heber J. Grant emphasized that the Word of Wisdom was a commandment and warned those who did not obey it that “the day is gone by when the Lord will trifle with the Latter-day Saints. He has said that His Spirit shall not always strive with man.” (Gospel Standards, pp. 55–56.) Although the Lord allowed a time of adjustment for those who were already members of the Church when the Word of Wisdom was given, today it is expected that all Saints adhere to the commandment.
Section 89 The Word of Wisdom

http://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-81-89/section-89-the-word-of-wisdom?lang=eng

]]> By: Jane Birch https://askgramps.org/when-did-the-word-of-wisdom-become-a-commandment/#comment-33783 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:53:00 +0000 http://www.askgramps.org/?p=11690#comment-33783 The whole of the counsel in D&C 89 never has become a “commandment,” though our LDS leaders have made it clear that Mormons in good standing must refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. The dietary counsel in D&C 89 is still wise advice from a loving Heavenly Father that we can follow for increased blessings. It includes: (1) eat wholesome plant foods (vss 10–11); (2) eat meat sparingly and only in times of need (winter, cold, famine, excess of hunger) (vss 13, 15); and (3) make grains the “staff of life” (vss. 14, 16). See also, http://discoveringthewordofwisdom.com/about/the-word-of-wisdom/

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