Chapter 14—Exercise
The Law of Obedient Action—All the heavenly beings are in
constant activity, and the Lord Jesus, in His practical lifework, has
given an example for every man. God has established in the heavens
the law of obedient action. [
Note: The law of obedient action is worthy
of careful study. Action not only advances physical health but brings us
into harmony with others and with the universe.
] Silent but ceaseless,
the objects of His creation do their appointed work. The ocean is in
constant motion. The springing grass, “which today is, and tomorrow
is cast into the oven,” does its errand, clothing the fields with beauty.
The leaves are stirred by the wind, and yet no hand is seen to touch
them. The sun, moon, and stars are useful and glorious in fulfilling
their appointed mission. And man, his mind and body created in God’s
own similitude, must be active in order to fill his appointed place.
Man is not to be idle. Idleness is sin.—
Letter 103, 1900
(
Letters to
Physicians and Ministers 29, 30.
)
Machinery of Body Must Continue Its Work—Study the Lord’s
plan in regard to Adam, who was created pure, holy, and healthy.
Adam was given something to do. He was to use the organs God had
given him. He could not have been idle. His brain must work, not in a
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mechanical way, like a mere machine. At all times the machinery of the
body continues its work; the heart throbs, doing its regular, appointed
task like a steam engine, forcing its crimson current unceasingly to all
parts of the body. Action, action, is seen pervading the whole living
machine. Each organ must do its appointed work. If physical inaction
is continued, there will be less and less activity of the brain.—
Letter
103, 1900
Exercise in the Open Air—The whole system needs the invigo-
rating influence of exercise in the open air. A few hours of manual
labor each day would tend to renew the bodily vigor and rest and relax
the mind.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:264, 265
(1876).
Air, air, the precious boon of heaven which all may have, will bless
you with its invigorating influence if you will not refuse it entrance.
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