By nurturing the body and spirit, a BYUH dean and student say blessings await through the Word of Wisdom
Describing the “hidden treasures of wisdom,” Aaron Curtis, the dean and associate professor of the Faculty of Math & Computing and a bishop, articulated the deep connection between spiritual enlightenment and the enduring strength that comes through obeying the Word of Wisdom. Emphasizing the guidelines God has given for our bodies, he said, “If we take care of this body, our bodies and our spirits are going to be stronger. And if we don’t, our ability is going to be diminished.”
Curtis said the Word of Wisdom is a baseline in terms of what people should avoid and things people have to make sure of in their diet. Referring to what’s written in the Doctrine and Covenants in Section 89, he said the promise to run without being weary can only be achieved when people apply the right principles to their bodies.
After watching how students live for so many years, Curtis said, “If you ask me, ‘What is the absolute worst thing you can do with your body?’ I will say it’s probably go to school.” He said many students are not eating a balanced diet, not getting enough sleep and not being physically active, which causes them to perform below the level of how they should in their studies.
He said he understood the demands the students faced. “Sometimes it’s important to stay up late and study extra because maybe [students] have two exams in one week. But if they are doing this on a constant basis, their lives need to be seriously looked at.” He said when students take a look at their lifestyle, they need to step back and figure out how to prioritize long-term consequences rather than short-term urgency.
Jessika Santoso, a junior majoring in TESOL from Indonesia, said the Word of Wisdom encourages her to consider how she can maintain the general fitness of her body. She said prioritizing exercise or a strict diet alone won’t help the overall health of the body, “because everything should be in balance.”
She said she knows the schedule for a student can be all over the place. Being disciplined on how she uses her body requires a lot of sacrifices, she said. “Sometimes I have to choose to wake up in the morning and go to the gym because of my packed schedule.” However, she said living a healthy lifestyle has helped her to be more consistent with her purpose.
Habits to reflect on
Curtis advised, “If you feel like you’re obeying the Word of Wisdom, and you’re not seeing the benefits of it, see what principles you’re not following that maybe you could start.” He suggested everyone to reflect frequently and ask personal questions such as, “Am I trying my best to follow the principles of the Word of Wisdom? Am I seeing the results in my life? Do I feel closer to God with the way I am treating my body? Or do I feel God’s help in giving me the strength to live sustainably?”
Santoso said she often asks herself when she consumes less healthy food, “What should I eat the next meal to make it balanced? Should I eat more vegetables and fruits for dinner?” She said paying attention to the amount of whole food and nutrient-dense food help her stay driven to have a good lifestyle.
Recognizing your body’s condition
Santoso said, “The Word of Wisdom can come in different forms for people since we’re in our mortal flesh and subject to pain, sickness and imperfection. But something that will be the same is the principle, which is to support ourselves and His work.”
Acknowledging this given principle from God, Curtis shared a reminder to everyone to be careful and wise in putting any kind of substance into our body. Referring to one of the implicit examples of the importance of water hydration, he said, “Although there is nowhere to be found in the scripture about water hydration, I know it is critical. A friend of mine lost a significant amount of weight once they replaced their sodas with water.”
Curtis detailed the natural cycle of wakefulness and rest within our bodies. He said rather than pushing through our tiredness, people would do better to stop their activity as their internal body clocks communicate the signal. He encouraged everyone to have a regular set of routines that enable our bodies to perform better. He said, “During those times I have a regular set of routines, I think more clearly in my work and studies. I regulate my emotions and stress levels better and that regularity helps me feel blessed.”
Santoso said from the time she started her habit of sleeping and waking up early, she slowly learned her productivity throughout the day increased. She said she understood she could be flexible with her schedule throughout the day but had to restrict herself by making sure she did her part to eat and exercise enough.
“You won’t know how capable you are to be the master and sculptor of your body. There is no better feeling than the sense of progression you receive from your own effort,” said Santoso.
Spiritual blessings through the Word of Wisdom
President Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared during a Worldwide Youth Testimony meeting, “Obey with exactness the Word of Wisdom, ... doing so will give you physical and spiritual
strength than those who do not obey [this commandment.]”
President Nelson added keeping theWord of Wisdom actually propelled him forward in his surgical career when he had to do a hard task. He said, “Continuing faith and obedience to the Lord will increase your ability to move mountains in your life just as He did with me.”
Curtis said the Word of Wisdom gives people spiritual benefits. He said there is a blessing in believing. “I don’t understand this completely, but I know God commanded it. So I’m going to do my best to follow it,” said Curtis.
He remarked when people establish a lifestyle pattern to embrace theWord of Wisdom, the immediate impact might not make much of a difference, but they can see a series of good decisions they are making in life as a long-term consequence. “Try the Lord,” he said. “See if He will not open you the windows of heaven.”
He continued, “I’ve seen too many blessings in my life from trying to live the Word of Wisdom for me to ignore it.” He said his desire is to live as long and healthy life as he possibly can to spend this mortal life serving his family and Heavenly Father’s children.
“Living in a resurrected body that’s free from illness and pain sounds heavenly, but mortality has a bit of randomness in it,” said Curtis. He said he understands that people who live in any substance addiction sometimes notice a missing piece and incorrect feeling in their lives.
To those who are still learning to quit addiction, Curtis said, “I am thrilled when I see people who are dedicated and trying. I see the light coming back into their lives. My feeling is this one of love and support, and I encourage them to keep going, keep trying and to not give up.”
Santoso referred to the quote given by Jum Rohn, “We must all suffer from one of two pains:The pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”With a smile, Santoso added, “Even though God is not forcing us to live this law, he promised us a blessing, and I have been blessed to have more control to resist bigger temptations through living theWord of Wisdom.”