Clean vs. Unclean
I choose to do my assignment on Choice 1: Clean vs.
Unclean. I completed the assignment by doing it as a blog post because I think
it would be a good missionary tool to upload my thought and beliefs about the
church and hopefully peak the interest of my non-member friends and family. I
really liked writing this blogpost because for the last couple years I have
been really interested in health and the Word of Wisdom. It would have been
better if I had put in some scientific statistics. That may have gotten the
attention of some of my non-member friends. I wasn’t sure though if that would
take away from the spiritual side of the post. If you want to go to my blogpost
it is at or I also pasted it down below:
In Leviticus 11:1-30 we read about the dietary laws the Lord
puts in place for the children of Israel.
The law basically breaks down animals into two distinct classes, clean
animals and unclean animals. The unclean
animals are what Israel was warned not to eat, whereas the clean animals were
approved for Israel to consume. Here is a breakdown of the clean and unclean
animals:
Clean Animals
Animals that have parted hoof, clovenfooted, and chews cud
Animals of the water with fins and scales
Locust, beetle, grasshopper
Unclean Animals
Camels, coney, hare (all chew cud but do not have a parted
hoof)
Swine (divided hoof but does not chew cud)
Sea animals without fins or scales
Fowl of the air
Fowls that creep on all fours
Flying creeping things
Weasel, mouse, tortoise, ferret, chameleon, lizard, snail, and
mole
“God was using the
diet as a teaching tool. People may forget or neglect prayer, play, work, or
worship, but they seldom forget a meal.” (Old Testament Study Guide) The Lord
put in place strict dietary laws to help remind His followers of their
dedication and devotion to Him. There were of course practical reasons for the
dietary laws, but they served a more important reason than this. The Lord’s followers
had to make a conscious decision each time they ate to either follow the Lord’s
directions or not. This thought process helped bring the people to remembrance
of their Lord and their commitment to follow Him.
The scriptures in Leviticus are an ancient dietary law that
the Lord put in place for Israel. We too have dietary restrictions put in place
for us to remind us of our commitment to the Lord and to keep us healthy. If we
read in D&C 89, we will find our own dietary laws which are combined into
what is now called the Word of Wisdom. Here is a breakdown of what is
considered okay and what is not:
Okay for consumption
Wholesome Herbs (in season)
Fruit (in season)
Flesh of beasts and fowl of the air (eaten sparingly)
Grain
Not okay for
consumption
Wine or strong drink (including coffee and tea)
Tobacco
Some may question why it is so important that we follow the
Lords direction on what we should and should not consume. I know in my own life
I have questioned it before. We have to realize that these laws have more to do
with the spiritual end of things then the physical. Yes, there are physical
benefits from following the Word of Wisdom and we are seeing scientific proof
of that more and more each day. The greater part of the Word of Wisdom has to
do with spiritual preparation and control over the natural man. In our day
there are so many temptations around us. By refusing to consume certain
foods/substances, we are showing the Lord the respect we have for the body He
has given to us and our remembrance of Him and His commandments. We are also
promised a great blessing if we follow the Lord’s Word of Wisdom. We “shall
receive health in their navel and marrow in their bones…find wisdom and great
treasures of knowledge…run and not be weary…walk and not faint…I, the Lord,
give unto them a promise that the destroying angel shall pass by them.”
I know that the Word of Wisdom will benefit our life if we
follow its guidelines. I know I need to do better at following it more closely.
I am quick to remember not to drink or smoke, but many times I eat meat too
often or eat things not in season. The more I study health related issues, I am
seeing the benefits of eating food in their seasons and eating meat sparingly.
I have made it a goal in my life to make sure I focus more on those two things
so that I can show the Lord my devotion to Him and His commandments. I may not
understand why all of these items are necessary, but I know in the end that
they will bless my life and eventually I will gain knowledge and testimony of
their importance.
