SERMON: Run & Not be Weary

Run & Not be Weary

Run and not be weary, and walk and not faint

(D&C 89:20)

 

My fellow Brothers and Sisters of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ, the sermon today will not be a long one but it will be one that is of most importance to us today, in a world full of excess and want, it is ever more important that we listen to the Lord and to his promises to us laid out in the holy scriptures. Today the biggest threat to our lives is our physical well being. In a world full of avarice and greed there can sometimes seem to be no hope in sight or no way for us to keep to the commands of the scriptures, however let us remember what the Lord has promised, those who are faithful.

The Lord promises us that id we obey the principles of the Word of Wisdom, we “shall run and not be weary, and walk and not faint” (D&C 89:20). The ability to run without becoming weary requires more that proper eating habits. We must exercise our bodies and much as we exercise our spirit and do it properly in order to fully benefit from observing the Word of Wisdom.

It must be fully remembered by members of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ that a healthy body enhances our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. This idea is implied in Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-19 “All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walk in obedience to the commandments, shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.”

It needs to be remembered that this is a promise from our God and that we need not be embarrassed by partaking in strenuous physical activity, in fact, having a body that is strong and healthy is what the Lord wants for us, indeed it can make us feel more healthy and more attractive as well. In addition to this physical fitness can make us feel more alert, more able to cope with problems, and more spiritually aware.

Latter Day Mormons should look for any way in which the binds of family and relationships can be made stronger. Physical fitness can be that strengthening bond. Sharing swimming, bicycling, hiking, jogging, or tennis can give us a chance to do something with others as well as for them.

We do not need expensive equipment or great skill to improve our health and strength. For instance, hiking, gardening, jogging, or walking requires little special skill. Even as we perform regular activities around the home or at work we can improve our physical fitness. We can walk or bicycle short distances rather than riding on a bus or diving a car. If our work requires us to sit a great deal, we can do beneficial isometric exercises. Planning and taking the time to keep physically fit is important, not only for physical well being, but also for mental and spiritual well being.  Our main drive should be to keep ourselves not only spiritually fit but also physically fit, in order that we might for fill our duty to the Lord and also to our families and loved ones.

And so let is remember and always keep in mind and as we go about our daily and weekly lives, that those who make a conscious effort to maintain healthy bodies will find the word of wisdom’s promise more completely fulfilled.