It’s possible this has a very narrow application, and there are those who will not like nor agree with this post, but I felt impressed to make it. Perhaps because of my failings with alcohol that ended as a way of life for me 10 years ago on May 1^st 2006.

Right now I direct this post towards those who claim an involvement in the current movement underway that seeks a greater connection with heaven and less dependence upon the arm of flesh, the precepts of man and away from those of the follow the prophet, pope, or priest crowd.

I am very much a part of this movement and believe it is God’s work, and that great things are underway.

One of, if not the most exciting aspect of this movement is seeking the face of God here in this life.

“Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;” (D&C 93:1)

In other words, meet the creator of the universe, face to face, in this life!

Now “if” one is truly seeking this most sacred of human experiences, what is required? That’s up for great debate within the movement as to how and what is required, yet by all accounts it is happening more and more frequently.

At the very least it involves repenting, and following the commandments “obeyeth my voice”.

How does this apply to the word of wisdom, and is it even a commandment? Apparently not according to the second verse.

However, consider this.

“For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.” (D&C 58:26)

Some within the movement have felt so constrained and angered by the institutional LDS church that emotional kickback is to be expected and I think that has happened here with the word of wisdom; in particular the alcohol portion. And I’m not talking about the use of wine with the sacrament, the Lord is good with that.

I think the word of wisdom needs to be looked at again, with new eyes, only not as a dictate from some man or institution, but as wisdom from that same creator we seek, to us in these last days.

 

“A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—

To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—

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.

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—

That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.” (D&C 89

I should think to truly seek this most sacred of human experiences requires us to take the Lord more serious, even above all things, and hearing His words of wisdom is something we should give some attention.

Moroni says

“Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.” (Moroni 7:25)

In my view the word of wisdom is considered as part of “every word which proceeded forth out of His mouth”.

I do not believe the word of wisdom should be used as a measuring stick of an individual’s worthiness or as a requirement for baptism and the sacrament etc.

But I speak to those who are honestly seeking the face of God! How earnestly do you truly seek Him and what are you willing to do or perhaps sacrifice in that effort?

Nephi sees our day

“They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.” (II Nephi 28:14)

We need to address ALL the aspects of this verse regarding the precepts of man and how it applies to those of us who seek the face of God!

Do you wear a stiff neck and high head, being full of pride because of your new found knowledge and quest to be free of man and seek God only?

Just what precepts of man is this verse discussing?

Is the LDS approach to the word of wisdom the only way it can be considered a precept of man?

Does it not also include the Babylonian approach or acceptance, and the institutionalization of alcohol?

Have you traded one precept of man for another?

And if you find yourself scrambling to layout anecdotes, scriptures and experiences to the contrary of this post, you may want to pause and ask yourself why?

No one likes to talk to a drunk, including the Lord, and that I know!

Ultimately, how you address this is of course up you and the Lord, but make sure it’s the Lords voice you hear and not your own voice of escape.

My guess is a glass of wine or a bottle of beer is fine, however from personal experience, not many are able to end it there!

Yes I’m tainted and have a slanted view on this subject, but I paid a very steep price for that view, and perhaps I can help someone from what for me was total destruction; not just from the abuse of alcohol, but from what doors it will always open. Doors it will eventually always open!

Some things to consider, I know I am again, and not just in the word of wisdom.

The precepts of man seem to be alive and well, even among the few humble followers of Christ. At times it’s almost crippling, and seems to be infused deep into our bones!

Oh Lord free us from these deep rooted and debilitating precepts of man, wherever they may be found!

Your brother in Christ.

johnD