Counsels on Social Issue

Counsel #14 — Role Model

Picture: Counsel #14 — Role Model CSI 142.1

Here are some practical suggestions for being a role model for health care: CSI 142.2

• Live a healthy lifestyle yourself. This means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, exploring nature, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and trusting in Divine Power.^[195]
• Talk to your friends and family about the importance of health care, including the benefits of preventive care (Do not be self-righteous or overbearing!)
• Volunteer your time to a health-related organization, at community lectures for healthy lifestyles or plant-based cooking, or how to make healthy food more affordable.
• Start or get involved in a local urban community garden.
• Support government and community policies and initiatives that promote health, well-being, and physical activity, as well as policies that make health insurance and health care more accessible.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 NKJV CSI 142.3

“Every act of our lives affects others for good or evil. Our influence is tending upward or downward; it is felt, acted upon, and to a greater or less degree reproduced by others. If by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good.” Ellen White in Testimonies to the Church, vol. 2, p. 133 CSI 142.4

Reflect: In what ways is modeling health and well-being more influential than making judgmental comments about the unhealthy choices others are making? CSI 142.5