August 22

Why Does the Lord Want Me to Be Healthy?

Doctrine and Covenants 89–92

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What recent experiences have brought us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

• Care for those in need. Has someone recently moved into our ward or joined the Church? How can we help them feel welcome?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. Are there any activities coming up that we can invite our friends to attend?

• Unite families for eternity. What efforts can we make to record our personal histories?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

It is easy for some people to think of the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89, as a list of dos and don’ts. The Word of Wisdom does have some of those, but it also contains principles for keeping our bodies healthy. It also teaches that the way we treat our bodies influences our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. What blessings have you received as you have strived to live a healthy life?

Members of your quorum or class may have studied the Word of Wisdom as they read Doctrine and Covenants 89–92 this week. How can you help them understand the physical and spiritual blessings that come from obeying this revelation? You can find helpful insights by reviewing the Gospel Topics article “Word of Wisdom” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or “Physical and Emotional Health” in For the Strength of Youth ([2011], 25–27).

Caring for our physical bodies influences our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Learn Together

To begin a discussion about the Word of Wisdom, write these words on the board: Physical, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Social. Invite quorum or class members to read Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21 and discuss how the promises in the verses can apply to these areas. What blessings can come from obeying the Word of Wisdom? How have we experienced these blessings in our lives?

• Members of your quorum or class can learn a lot from each other by making a collective list of things they are doing to be healthy. Divide quorum or class members into groups, and assign each group to search one or more of the scripture passages in the first bullet under “Supporting Resources,” looking for truths about physical health. Have each group share what they learned and list their ideas on the board. How would we respond to questions like the following: Why does God give us laws concerning physical health? Why do we obey them?

• Members of your quorum or class may be asked questions about why they don’t drink alcohol, smoke, or do drugs. How do they answer these questions? They could search “Physical and Emotional Health” in For the Strength of Youth (pages 25–27) and find counsel and promised blessings that they could share with others. How does the way we treat our bodies affect our relationship with God? How have quorum or class members gained testimonies that obeying the Word of Wisdom blesses their lives?

• Experiences that show the blessings of obeying the Word of Wisdom can inspire quorum or class members to be more committed to living this law. You could share an experience from your life or the experience President Thomas S. Monson shared in his message “Principles and Promises” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 78–79). The video “Leave the Party” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) contains another example. You could encourage quorum or class members to share their experiences.

• To begin a discussion about how to resist temptations to violate the Word of Wisdom, you might show your quorum or class a fishing lure (or a picture of one). How do fishing lures deceive fish? Answers to this question can be found in the video “You Will Be Freed” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org; see also M. Russell Ballard, “O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 108–10). How are fishing lures like what Satan does to deceive or trick us? What message does President Ballard have for those caught in addiction? How could we help someone who is struggling with temptation turn to the Savior? (see the scriptures in the second bullet under “Supporting Resources”).

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• Daniel 1:3–20; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Doctrine and Covenants 88:124; 89:5–21 (How we care for our bodies is important to the Lord)

• Mosiah 7:33; Alma 13:27–29; Ether 12:27 (Hope for those who struggle with addiction)

• August 2019 issues of the New Era and Ensign (special issue about the body)

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

In every setting, the Savior was our example and mentor. As you prepare to teach, think of how the Lord communicated with others and how you can communicate in a way that uplifts and encourages those you teach.