Defining Country Living: Spiritual and Physical Prosperity

Country living is a lifestyle centered around rural environments that prioritize spiritual prosperity, physical health, and a close connection to God through nature12MR 30.1+2. It is characterized by a departure from the congestion, corruption, and artificial excitement of urban centers in favor of retired places where fields, hills, and trees provide a wholesome atmosphere for familiesLDE 98.2+2.

The Core Characteristics of Country Living

• A Harmonious Environment: True country living aligns with God's original plan for humanity, placing families in settings where they can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature12MR 30.1. In the beginning, God placed our first parents in a garden, and He still desires for us to rejoice in His creation today Genesis 2:812MR 30.1.

• Freedom from Urban Evils: Living in the country allows individuals to avoid the "street education" and temptations found in cities, such as labor union strife, the intense passion for money getting, and the "whirl of excitement" that turns the mind from life's true purposeCL 3.1+2.

• Productive Labor and Self-Sufficiency: A significant aspect of this lifestyle involves steady industry on the land, where families can raise their own fruit and vegetables and provide for their own necessitiesLDE 99.3+2. The earth holds rich stores for the faithful worker, and intelligent cultivation yields treasures for the benefit of manCL 17.4.

• Spiritual and Mental Health: In the quietude of rural life, the mind becomes healthier, and it is easier to bring the truth of the Word of God home to the heartLDE 98.2+1. Separated from the world's corrupting customs, God’s presence becomes more real, and the soul responds to His healing powerCL 19.1.

The Example of Elisha

Elisha's early years provide a perfect definition of the benefits of country lifeEd 58.2. He was trained in the quietude of the country under the teaching of God and nature, engaging in the discipline of useful workPK 217.2. This rural upbringing helped fit him for his high position by instilling habits of simplicity and obedienceRR 79.2+1.

Moving with Wisdom

• Avoid Rashness: While the call to move "out of the cities" is clear, it must not be done in a rush, excitement, or a disorderly manner2SM 354+2.

• Prayer and Counsel: Every plan should be spread before God with fasting and prayer, seeking His leading and the counsel of those with spiritual insightCL 27.4+2.

• A Focus on Eternity: Ultimately, those who choose a rural life do so because they "desire a better country, that is, an heavenly" Hebrews 11:16CL 3.1. By living in harmony with nature, we receive a little taste of Eden and better prepare for eternal life12MR 30.1.

The Lord's invitation is to leave the rattle and din of the city for the peace and purity of the country, where His voice can be heard more clearly speaking to the heartLDE 98.2+1.