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God’s Peculiar People, November 7
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 2:14
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That which more especially distinguishes God’s people from the pop-
ular religious bodies is not their profession alone, but their exemplary
character and their principles of unselfish love. The powerful and puri-
fying influence of the Spirit of God upon the heart, carried out in words
and works, separates them from the world, and designates them as God’s
peculiar people. The character and disposition of Christ’s followers will be
like the Master. He is the pattern, the holy and perfect example given for
Christians to imitate....
The self-denial, humility, and temperance required of the righteous
... are ... in contrast with the extravagant, health-destroying habits of the
people who live in this degenerate age. God has shown that health reform
is as closely connected with the third angel’s message as the hand is united
to the body. And there is nowhere to be found so great a cause of physical
and moral degeneracy as a neglect of this important subject.... Whoever
violates moral obligations in the matter of eating and dressing prepares the
way to violate the claims of God in regard to eternal interests. Our bodies
are not our own. God has claims upon us to take care of the habitation He
has given us, that we may present our bodies to Him a living sacrifice, holy
and acceptable. Our bodies belong to Him who made them, and we are in
duty bound to become intelligent in regard to the best means of preserving
from decay the habitation He has given us. If we enfeeble the body by
self-gratification, by indulging the appetite, and by dressing in accordance
with health-destroying fashions, in order to be in harmony with the world,
we become enemies of God....
God requires of us according to the grace He has bestowed upon us....
In order for us to meet our responsibilities we must stand on that elevated
ground that the order and advancement of holy, sacred truth has prepared
for us
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The Review and Herald, May 18, 1886
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