“Questions and Answers,” New Era, June 2008, 16–17
Questions and Answers
“What’s the harm in trying alcohol or tobacco just once?”
The scriptures teach that for us to exercise agency, there must be opposition—good and evil—in the world and that we must be “enticed by the one or the other” (2 Nephi 2:16; emphasis added). You do not need to occasionally give in to the enticement of wrong choices in order for your agency to be genuine. The ability to distinguish right from wrong is what’s important. You do not need to know both good and evil; you need to know good from evil—and then choose the good.
You may think that trying alcohol or tobacco one time won’t hurt you, but it will. They are harmful substances, and you cannot feel the Spirit if you partake of them. For some, that one time turns into a lifelong addiction.
There’s Never “Just Once”
No, you shouldn’t try it; not even once! You may say that you will never do it again, but alcohol and tobacco can be addictive. I have a friend who tried alcohol once. The next time she went out, guess what? She drank again. Everyone knew she had drunk “just once,” so it became “just one more.” We as members are being watched constantly by nonmembers. It doesn’t look good when we don’t obey our own standards—not to mention how disappointed your parents would be.
Kaila W., 17, New South Wales, Australia
Commandments Keep You Safe
Our loving Father in Heaven knows every single thing that goes on in life and its effects. This is why He gave us the Word of Wisdom. He loves you so much and wants to keep you safe from the devil. This is one way He is trying to keep you safe—through commandments. You know it’s a commandment not to take drugs, so stick to the safe side. Pray for His guidance to keep you safe from thoughts of trying things you know are not right.
Asenaca V., 18, Suva, Fiji
Keep the Word of Wisdom
Remember that the Word of Wisdom is a commandment from God, and as such we need to pay strict heed to it. Otherwise we are sinning, and a sin will always be a sin, even if we do it only once. Don’t forget that serious sin happens only if we first yield to small temptations, such as trying alcohol or tobacco to find out what it’s like.
Ana M., 20, Michoacán, Mexico
Fight the Temptation
All harmful substances deliberately taken into the body are against the Word of Wisdom. Don’t experiment with them! Using these substances, even in the smallest of doses, can lead to destructive dependence. In violating the Word of Wisdom, we cut ourselves off from many blessings that we could have received. We stain our spirits. The best weapons for fighting temptation are prayer, fasting, and scripture study.
Oleg P., 16, Crimea, Ukraine
Don’t Learn the Hard Way
Our Church leaders don’t say “just once.” They say no. Just have faith that the Church teaches us so that we don’t have to learn it the hard way for ourselves. Also, remember that in the temple recommend interview, priesthood leaders ask if you obey the Word of Wisdom.
Lauren R., 15, Maryland
Rationalizing Can Lead to Addiction
What is wrong with saying “It’s only once” is the fact that you did it. If you did it, this will weaken your resistance to doing it again. Rationalizing “it’s only once” leads us away from the strait and narrow. Once you go in that direction, it may not be so easy to return, because you will say, “It’s only once more, and besides, I can quit any time I want to.” It may eventually become, “I must have another,” or, “There is no hope left for me.”
Adam H., 16, British Columbia, Canada