WORD OF WISDOM

Reason 31

The LDS church teaches the following about the word of wisdom. One must obey the word of wisdom in order to not only enter the temple but also to obtain the highest degree of glory, the Celestial kingdom.
     D&C 89
lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89

Although the word of wisdom contains more rules than these, I will be referring to the use of coffee, wine, and meat only.

According to Spencer W. Kimball, "For observing the Word of Wisdom the reward is life, not only prolonged mortal life but life eternal."

I LOVE COFFEE! I love wine! I love meat!

     Matthew 15:11
Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.

Wine = the juice of grapes, fermented to produce a strong beverage that was very popular among the Jews. (Genesis 40:11)

     1 Timothy 3:8
Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money.

     1 Timothy 5:23
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

According to Christian belief, wine was the drink of the Last Supper.
     artbible.info/art/last-supper

Also according to Christian belief, Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding.
     http://bible.org/seriespage/first-sign-jesus-turns-water-wine-john-21-11

     1 Timothy 4:1-5
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Is wine good for you?
     today.msnbc.msn.com/id/ns/today-today_health/t/wine-good-you

According to the way of eating, "Eat Right For You Type," meat is one of the best foods for me.

The Bible instructs us to not eat raw meat or blood.
     Leviticus 19:26
'You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying.
     Deuteronomy 12:16
Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it on the earth like water.

The Book of Mormon instructs us to eat raw meat.
     1 Nephi 17:2
And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began their journeyings without murmurings.

Moderation = Christians are taught to be moderate in all things. (1 Corinthians 9:25)
     Mormons are taught to be abstinent in all these things.

     Mark 7:18-23
So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?" And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

     Colossians 2:16
So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,
     Colossians 2:14
having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

My unanswered questions were:

Why are Mormons not allowed to enter the LDS temple for drinking coffee or tea, but are allowed to drink all the caffeine they want?
Why would God shun anyone from heaven for drinking coffee or wine or eating meat?

I was initially devastated when I received these answers that turning away people from heaven is not a characteristic of God, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I will not be loved any less for consuming any of these products!

What goes into the mouth is not what corrupts man. What comes out of the mouth is where our focus should be. Coffee, tea, soda, and caffeine of any kind are all equal and addictive. One is not any safer or better than the other. Therefore, they should all be treated equally.