In keeping the Word of Wisdom, we are promised that we will “run and not be weary” (see D&C 89:20) and that we will enjoy good health. Since many who obey this law fall physically ill, are these promises mainly spiritual?

Gordon Williams, a physician and professor of medicine at Harvard University Medical School, and a regional representative. Our physical health is a complex process that involves input from a variety of sources. Many of these sources are under our immediate control. Others are not. The Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom to help guide us in those areas that are under our control. For example, our choices regarding smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and drinking coffee and tea all are under our control. Avoiding these harmful substances can have a positive effect on the quality of our health. While people did not know this fact at the time the Lord gave this revelation, medical investigators now have provided ample documentation of its validity.

A recent study of ten thousand active members of the Church living in California documented one of the lowest death rates from heart disease and cancer ever reported for any group. Each of the individuals included in this study adhered to all three of the following health habits: no smoking, regular sleep, and regular physical activity. (See James Enstrom, “Health Practices and Cancer Mortality among Active California Mormons,” Journal, National Cancer Institute, 81[1989]:1807.)

However, if we refrain from smoking and from drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea, is that enough? Clearly, the answer is no. There are other guidelines given in the Word of Wisdom regarding a healthy diet.

Modern medical science also reaffirms the correctness of the approach advocated by the Lord in other aspects of the Word of Wisdom: eating an excess of saturated animal fat leads to an increased risk of heart disease; the general lack of grain and fruit in our diets raises numerous concerns.

But there is still more. The promise from the Lord found in the Word of Wisdom is based not only on the health code there but also on “walking in obedience to the commandments.” (See D&C 89:18.) Obviously, this enlarges our area of responsibility. Commandments of the Lord that influence our health can be found throughout all of scripture. We need to study these, be aware of them, and obey them.

In addition to factors that are under our control, there are also significant other factors influencing our health that are beyond our control: genetic makeup, the choices made by mothers during pregnancy, and environmental factors all contribute to our general state of health.

But as a general rule, after serving many years in the medical community, I can say that the Lord has given us true guidance. When we keep his commandments and counsel, we do enjoy the best possible health that the genetic and biological limits of our physical bodies will allow.