Doctrine and Covenants 59: The "good things of the Earth"
Please read.
This revelation was given to Joseph Smith two years prior to section 89. It is every bit as inspiring as 89. I feel that because of the cunning of man, God had to be a little more specific about the uses of specific (foods and herbs) things. In 59:17 He states that he gives us the "good things" for our use. In 89 he uses the word "prudence". I seem to think that it comes down to what we learn of the nature of man from 121: 39. It is sad but true. It's for our protection and his love for us that God gives us bit and pieces of insight and with diligence and patience we can master ourselves to overcome our natural impulse and do our Father's will.
I have realized in my studies that we are each so uniquely different and are strengthened and weakened by different things (What is your Kryptonite?). So, when it comes to nutrition it's all about what feels good, not tastes good, but really FEELS right. "Yea, all these things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that the hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were the made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (D&C 59:18-21). I think we need to look at this and say, that these commandments were given to us to that we act on but are not acted upon (2 NE 2:26). Think about it?
Side note:
So, If food is our weakness? And we allow for it to take hold of us and allow ourselves to indulge in it because we are in a weakened state, which later makes us feel worse, it is sin, no? So why then do we justify putting things into our body that are definitely not healthful and preach moderation, when it clearly debilitates our bodies to function appropriately? ugh...
I think Elder Widtsoe stated that it's easier to eliminate a food completely that is unhealthful than to eat it in moderation.
God wants to bless his children, but he cannot do so unless our offerings are in righteousness (D&C 128:24). And that we can confess our sins with humble hearts ( D&C 64: 7) and submit ourselves to His will. The blessings are never ending. D&C 89: "And all saints who remember to keep and so these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." That's enough for me. We are here to strengthen ourselves, to overcome the forces of the destroyer, to find wisdom and joy. "Adam fell that men may be and men are that they might find joy." (2 NE 2: 25). I hope I can be an example of this kind of righteousness, because to whom much is given much is required (D&C 82:3). With a little faith I am sure I can achieve this. In his name, Jesus Christ.
This revelation was given to Joseph Smith two years prior to section 89. It is every bit as inspiring as 89. I feel that because of the cunning of man, God had to be a little more specific about the uses of specific (foods and herbs) things. In 59:17 He states that he gives us the "good things" for our use. In 89 he uses the word "prudence". I seem to think that it comes down to what we learn of the nature of man from 121: 39. It is sad but true. It's for our protection and his love for us that God gives us bit and pieces of insight and with diligence and patience we can master ourselves to overcome our natural impulse and do our Father's will.
I have realized in my studies that we are each so uniquely different and are strengthened and weakened by different things (What is your Kryptonite?). So, when it comes to nutrition it's all about what feels good, not tastes good, but really FEELS right. "Yea, all these things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that the hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were the made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (D&C 59:18-21). I think we need to look at this and say, that these commandments were given to us to that we act on but are not acted upon (2 NE 2:26). Think about it?
Side note:
So, If food is our weakness? And we allow for it to take hold of us and allow ourselves to indulge in it because we are in a weakened state, which later makes us feel worse, it is sin, no? So why then do we justify putting things into our body that are definitely not healthful and preach moderation, when it clearly debilitates our bodies to function appropriately? ugh...
I think Elder Widtsoe stated that it's easier to eliminate a food completely that is unhealthful than to eat it in moderation.
God wants to bless his children, but he cannot do so unless our offerings are in righteousness (D&C 128:24). And that we can confess our sins with humble hearts ( D&C 64: 7) and submit ourselves to His will. The blessings are never ending. D&C 89: "And all saints who remember to keep and so these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." That's enough for me. We are here to strengthen ourselves, to overcome the forces of the destroyer, to find wisdom and joy. "Adam fell that men may be and men are that they might find joy." (2 NE 2: 25). I hope I can be an example of this kind of righteousness, because to whom much is given much is required (D&C 82:3). With a little faith I am sure I can achieve this. In his name, Jesus Christ.
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