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Leaders to Practice and Teach Health Reform, October 2
Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among
mortals.
Psalm 66:5
, NRSV.
The church is making history. Every day is a battle and a march. On every side
we are beset by invisible foes, and we either conquer through the grace given us
by God or we are conquered. I urge that those who are taking a neutral position
in regard to health reform be converted. This light is precious, and the Lord gives
me the message to urge that all who bear responsibilities in any line in the work of
God take heed that truth is in the ascendancy in the heart and life. Only thus can
any meet the temptations they are sure to encounter in the world.
Why do some of our ministers manifest so little interest in health reform? It
is because instruction on temperance in all things is opposed to their practice of
self-indulgence. In some places this has been the great stumbling block in the way
of our bringing the people to investigate and practice and teach health reform. No
one should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his or her own teaching or
example contradicts the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard to
diet, for this will bring confusion. Disregard of health reform unfits one to stand as
the Lord’s messenger.
The light that the Lord has given on this subject in His Word is plain, and leaders
will be tested and tried in many ways to see if they will heed it. Every church,
every family, needs to be instructed in regard to Christian temperance. All should
know how to eat and drink in order to preserve health. We are amid the closing
scenes of this world’s history; and there should be harmonious action in the ranks
of Sabbathkeepers. Those who stand aloof from the great work of instructing the
people upon this question do not follow where the Great Physician leads the way.
“If any man will come after me,” Christ said, “let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me” (
Matthew 16:24
).
The Lord has presented before me that many, many will be rescued from
physical, mental, and moral degeneracy through the practical influence of health
reform. Health talks will be given; publications will be multiplied. The principles
of health reform will be received with favor; and many will be enlightened. The
influences that are associated with health reform will commend it to the judgment
of all who want light; and they will advance step by step to receive the special truths
for this time. Thus truth and righteousness will meet together.—
The Review and
Herald, June 18, 1914
.
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