Living In The Light

June 6, The Importance Of Physical Health

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
—1 Corinthians 10:31 LL 168.1

The world today is full of pain and suffering and agony. Is it the will of God that such a condition should exist? No; God, the Creator of our bodies, has arranged every fiber and nerve and sinew and muscle, and has pledged Himself to keep the machinery in order if the human agent will co-operate with Him, and refuse to work contrary to the laws which govern the physical system. LL 168.2

God’s law is written by His own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty, which has been entrusted to humanity. These gifts were bestowed upon human beings, not to be abused, corrupted, and abased, but to be used to His honor and glory. Every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of the law which God designs shall govern in these matters, and by violating this law, human beings corrupt themselves. Sickness, disease of every kind, ruined constitutions, premature decay, untimely deaths—these are the results of a violation of nature’s laws. . . . LL 168.3

The need of healthful habits is a part of the gospel which must be presented to the people by those who hold forth the Word of life. The importance of the health of the body is to be taught as a Bible requirement. “I beseech you, therefore, brethren,” writes Paul, “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” LL 168.4

This is a sermon which needs to be presented to the people.—Letter 73a, 1896. LL 168.5

Further Reflection: : Think of one change that would make a positive difference to your physical health. How can you begin implementing that change today? LL 168.6