Some people think that the Word of Wisdom is a burden -- look at all the stuff we can't have! I contend, however, that it's a blessing, a major blessing, and we ought to thank the Lord that He has revealed it to us in these latter days. First of all, think of the financial benefits. Think of how much money you can save by following the Word of Wisdom. Consider this: A lemonade is about $2, wherever you go. Maybe $3 at a ballpark, but we all know that prices in a sports stadium do not reflect prices elsewhere. (Hence, a "ballpark figure" is anything but! I digress.) Most places will give you refills, too. Beer is at least $2.50, with prices going up from there. A good vintage wine, I'm told, is at least $25. You save so much if you don't drink alcohol. You save more than just the money. Physically, you'll save brain cells and your liver. You'll save being guilty for things you shouldn't have said or done. You'll save your reputation. Think of all the things the Church forbids: alcohol, illegal drugs, caffeine, tobacco, and so forth. Are any of these things necessary for existence? No, of course not! What are they good faor? Nothing, really - you get a temporary feel-good state in exhange for a later let-down, lower than where you started with some drugs. If you want to feel good, whip out that Book of Mormon and read a good chapter. I recommend the first 5 chapters of Mosiah, 2 Nephi 2, Alma 32, and Alma 34 if you can't think of any. That feel-good state is the Spirit of God. That's the happiness we're supposed to feel - not some chemically induced high.
    Another thing people complain about is the tithing. Think of it as the money other people spend on alcohol, drugs, etc. Whose money is going toward the greater good? Would you rather say, "I give 10% of my income to Marlboro and Budweiser" or "I give 10% of my money to God" ? Many people look at a 10% tithe as excessive. Take a step back and consider other churches. I'll use the Methodist church that my family attends as an example. My father is on the finance committee, and it seems as if the church is always struggling for money. There are tons of fundraisers throughout the year, and members are asked to fill out estimates of giving for the year. Latter-Day Saint chapels don't need to hold fundraisers and such just to keep their church running -- they can comfortably subside off the tithes. Tithes cover the cost of maintenance, teaching materials, and materials used for the sacrament such as the cups and the tablecloth. In addition, tithes can help build new chapels and temples, be humanitarian donations for those in need, and help pay the tuition of thousands of students attending BYU. They are used to fund the Church farms, where food is grown for those who desperately need it.

More on tithing...

All this material was written by Beth Siler on July 15, 1999 and September 5, 1999. Please do not use without asking permission.
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