Episode Summary: John Taylor: No Snuff, No Chains • followHIM Favorites • August 18 - 24 • Come Follow Me
Release Date: August 14, 2025
In this enlightening episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith (Speaker A) and John Bytheway (Speaker B) delve into the principles of the Word of Wisdom, specifically focusing on personal agency and the struggle against addiction. Centered around the inspiring story of John Taylor, the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the episode offers profound insights into overcoming personal vices and maintaining spiritual autonomy.
1. Introduction to the Word of Wisdom
The episode opens with Hank Smith introducing the segment, indicating that they are covering sections 89 through 92 of the Come, Follow Me curriculum, with a particular emphasis on the Word of Wisdom. Hank hints at an engaging story that aligns with the principles of the Word of Wisdom, setting the stage for a thoughtful exploration of self-control and personal liberation.
2. The Story of John Taylor and the Snuff Box [00:03 – 01:31]
Hank recounts a pivotal moment in the life of John Taylor before his conversion to the church. Living in England and unaware of the Church's teachings at the time, John Taylor was a typical young man who used tobacco, a common habit of the era.
Key Points:
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Encounter with Addiction: One day, while reaching for his snuff box—a small container used to hold tobacco—the young Taylor experiences a moment of self-awareness. He realizes his craving for tobacco and the uncomfortable feeling associated with it.
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Self-Dialogue and Decision: In a moment of introspection, Taylor addresses the snuff box as if it were a person, saying, “Listen to me. I will be a slave to nothing” (00:56). This symbolizes his rejection of the controlling nature of his addiction without any external admonition or health warnings.
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Resolution: Motivated by this internal dialogue, Taylor decisively stops using tobacco, marking the beginning of his commitment to avoiding slavery to any substance.
Notable Quote:
“I will be a slave to nothing.” – Hank Smith discussing John Taylor’s resolution [01:06]
3. The Concept of Agency and Addiction [01:31 – 02:14]
John Bytheway builds upon Taylor’s story by introducing a thought-provoking perspective on agency and addiction. Referencing Professor Joseph Fielding McConkey, he shares the idea: “If you're high on drugs, you're low on agency” (01:31).
Key Points:
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Agency vs. Craving: The conversation highlights how succumbing to cravings can diminish one’s agency—the fundamental principle of making free and informed choices.
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Modern Implications: By drawing parallels between Taylor’s tobacco use and contemporary addictions (e.g., alcohol, technology), the hosts emphasize the universal struggle against becoming enslaved to any habit or dependency.
Notable Quote:
“If you're high on drugs, you're low on agency.” – Professor Joseph Fielding McConkey, as cited by John Bytheway [01:31]
4. Modern Applications: Technology and Addiction [02:14 – 02:51]
The discussion transitions to the challenges posed by modern technology, particularly smartphones and tablets, and their potential to become masters rather than tools.
Key Points:
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Technology as a Double-Edged Sword: The hosts acknowledge the benefits of devices like cell phones and iPads while cautioning against their addictive potential.
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Personal Anecdotes: Hank shares a humorous yet telling anecdote about a cell phone accident, illustrating how easily one can become dependent on technology:
“I gotta crush the candy. And it bonks you on your forehead.” – Hank Smith recounting a cell phone mishap [02:38]
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Awareness and Control: Both hosts stress the importance of self-awareness in maintaining control over one’s relationship with technology, ensuring that it serves as a tool rather than a source of enslavement.
Notable Quote:
“It looks kind of like a scripture case. He actually stops and he realizes that he's craving this tobacco. He doesn't like that feeling.” – Hank Smith reflecting on John Taylor’s moment of realization [00:24]
5. Conclusion and Further Resources
As the episode wraps up, Hank encourages listeners to explore the full followHIM podcast, available on all major platforms. He mentions an upcoming interview with sister Karen Hepworth, who shares her passion for the Word of Wisdom, promising more engaging content in future episodes.
Additional Information:
- Show Notes: https://followhim.co
- YouTube: FollowHimOfficialChannel
- Instagram: instagram.com/followhimpodcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/followhimpodcast
Key Takeaways
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Self-Awareness is Crucial: Recognizing one's own addictions or dependencies is the first step toward overcoming them.
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Maintain Agency: Retaining control over personal choices ensures spiritual and mental liberation from potential enslavements, whether they be substances or modern technologies.
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Practical Application of Teachings: The Word of Wisdom is not just a set of guidelines but a practical framework for achieving personal freedom and well-being.
This episode of followHIM effectively blends historical narratives with contemporary issues, offering listeners both inspiration and practical advice on living a life governed by agency and self-control.