In the last 100 or so years we discovered infections are spread through the act of contact between the infected and others. By washing hands and cleaning the area of infected individuals (bodies, bed, clothes, medical tools) we have been able to greatly decrease death within communities and particularly hospitals.
Yet…
3000 years ago God tried to teach is this.
‘Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean. And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue. … Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water. … And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water. And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall … wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.’ (Leviticus 15) Thus, our loving Heavenly Father had clearly revealed principles of clean technique in the handling of infected patients more than three thousand years ago! These scriptures are in complete harmony with modern medical guidelines. But during those many millennia, how many mothers needlessly perished? How many children suffered because man’s quest for knowledge had failed to incorporate the word of the Lord?1Where Is Wisdom?—Russell M. Nelson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
— President Nelson
This is one simple section of scripture of the thousands available to us. This being the case, how much do we still suffer in our lives considering all the the great wisdom that God hath set forth for us in His scripture and from His prophets.
But a caution— we can not pick and choose the doctrines we would like to follow. We cannot simply choose our favorite gospel principles and ignore the rest. This does not mean we are to be perfect in all things, but we must be striving towards obedience in all things. Remember perfection is not possible to attain at this point and time—please reach out if the principle of perfection is troubling you.
I testify that the answer to every question, concern, problem, struggle, challenge that we mortals may have is contained in the scriptures offered to us, the words of God’s prophet, and the fullness of the Saviors gospel found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We have the opportunity to hear from God’s prophet, apostles, and great disciples of Christ—both women and men this week at the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please join the millions who will attend/watch/hear/read this conference.
If we follow the counsel offered we will have peace and joy. We will find ourselves closer to the Savior and nearer to our Eternal Father.
*Originally posted on Facebook April 1st 2019