Divine Principles of Adventist Health and Wellness

The laws of health are a divine system of principles designed to preserve the body, mind, and soul in the best possible condition for service to God and humanityCCh 225.8+2. These principles are not merely suggestions for physical well-being but are as closely connected to the gospel as the hand is to the bodyCM 131.3+2.

The Core Foundation of Health Reform

• A Living Sacrifice: God requires us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him, which is our reasonable service Romans 12:1.

• Obedience to Natural Law: The laws governing our physical being are the laws of God, and violating them is a sin against our Creator20MR 4.4+2.

• Stewardship of the Body: We are God’s property, bought with a price, and we are accountable for how we treat the human habitation He fitted up as His dwelling place20MR 8.4+1.

• Character Development: There is a direct relation between physical habits and the health of the mind and soul, which is essential for attaining the character necessary for heaven1T 7.3+2.

Key Principles for Healthful Living

To maintain health and prevent disease, we must bring our appetites and habits under the control of reason and conscienceCCh 225.8+2. 🌿

• Dietary Choices: A simple, nourishing diet of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables is the best for the systemPH123 43.2+1. We should discard harmful items such as flesh meats, tea, coffee, tobacco, and intoxicating liquors20MR 5.2+3.

• Proper Preparation: It is a duty to become good cooks, preparing food that is both wholesome and appetizing, as poorly prepared food can lead to discouragement and digestive injuryCME 36.1+2.

• Temperance: True temperance involves total abstinence from all that is harmful and a judicious use of that which is healthful 1 Corinthians 9:2520MR 3.3+1. This applies to eating, drinking, dressing, and working20MR 4.4+2.

• Nature’s Remedies: Instead of relying on poisonous drugs that paralyze the system, we should use nature's own remedies: pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power15MR 277.3+2.

The Purpose and Results of Reform

Living in harmony with these laws brings a reward of clearer thought, a more peaceful mind, and increased physical strength20MR 5.2+2. ☀️

• Preventing Disease: Much of the sickness in the world could be prevented by attention to the laws of health, as disease is often the result of violating natural lawCME 32.3+2.

• Spiritual Insight: A clear brain and an unclouded mind allow us to better understand the Scriptures and discern spiritual truths20MR 5.2+2.

• Influence for Good: When we practice these principles, our example becomes a powerful testimony that can remove prejudice and open doors for the gospel to reach othersCCh 225.8+2.

• Victory Over Appetite: By depending on divine strength and cooperating with God through obedience to His physical laws, we can break the bonds of perverted appetiteCH 440.3+2.

Obedience to the truth includes obedience to physical law; therefore, we must not wantonly violate a single principle of health16MR 61.2+2. As we attend to God's words, we find they are life to the soul and health to all the flesh Proverbs 4:20-22.