Family Home Evening Lesson #23: FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH--PHYSICAL HEALTH

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing "The Lord Gave Me a Temple" Children's Songbook pg. 153

3. Read D&C 89: 18-20 And all saints who remember to keep and do 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 treasure of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

4. Read and discuss the following from "For the Strength of Youth"

The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this, observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Never use tobacco products, such as cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, cigars, and pipe tobacco. They are very addictive and will damage your body and shorten your life. Also, do not drink coffee or tea, for these are addictive and harmful.

Any form of alcohol is harmful to your body and spirit. Being under the influence of alcohol weakens your judgment and self-control and could lead you to break the law of chastity or other commandments. Drinking can lead to alcoholism, which destroys individuals and families.

Any drug, chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a sensation or “high” can destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These include hard drugs, prescription or over-the-counter medications that are abused, and household chemicals.

Never let Satan or others lead you to think that breaking the Word of Wisdom will make you happier or more attractive.

5. Closing Prayer

Additional Resources: Addiction or Freedom (New Era, Sept. 1989)
Word of Wisdom (FHE Resource Book)
Gospel Art Picture Kit: Daniel Refusing the King’s Meat and Wine
The Lord's Law of Health (Gospel Principles, Chapter 29)