Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Smoke

That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually.
God hath created all things, both things to act and things to be acted upon.
God gave unto man that he should act.

Maybe part of that action is deciding that things will remind, invite, and entice me to do good.

When I see a cigarette, I usually frown judgmentally, berate the person mentally, and prepare to hold my breath as I pass. But smoke is also used in the scriptures to represent the prayers of the people ascending to heaven. By deciding to think/act with this as my motivation, I can confess His hand in all things, and reach out in charity rather than condemnation.

For with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Word of Wisdom

Inasmuch as any man drinketh wine among you, behold it is not good, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. (D&C 89: 5,7)
Both “washing of your bodies” and “offer up your sacraments” are ordinances. 
This is a call to consecration, not just to prohibition; commitment to expend goods in bringing others to God rather than in self-indulgence.