592
Counsels on Health
worship of God, and on it we are to be specially careful in regard to
our diet. A clogged stomach means a clogged brain. Too often so large
an amount of food is eaten on the Sabbath that the mind is rendered
dull and stupid, incapable of appreciating spiritual things. The habits
of eating have much to do with the many dull religious exercises of the
Sabbath. The diet for the Sabbath should be selected with reference
to the duties of the day on which the purest, holiest service is to be
offered to God.
Eating has much to do with religion. The spiritual experience is
greatly affected by the way in which the stomach is treated. Eating
and drinking in accordance with the laws of health promote virtuous
actions. But if the stomach is abused by habits that have no foundation
[578]
in nature, Satan takes advantage of the wrong that has been done and
uses the stomach as an enemy of righteousness, creating a disturbance
which affects the entire being. Sacred things are not appreciated.
Spiritual zeal diminishes. Peace of mind is lost. There is dissension,
strife, and discord. Impatient words are spoken and unkind deeds are
done; dishonest practices are followed and anger is manifested—and
all because the nerves of the brain are disturbed by the abuse heaped
on the stomach.
What a pity it is that often, when the greatest self-denial should be
exercised, the stomach is crowded with a mass of unhealthful food,
which lies there to decompose. The affliction of the stomach afflicts
the brain. The imprudent eater does not realize that he is disqualifying
himself for giving wise counsel, disqualifying himself for laying plans
for the best advancement of the work of God. But this is so. He cannot
discern spiritual things, and in council meetings, when he should say
Yea, he says Nay. He makes propositions that are wide of the mark,
because the food he has eaten has benumbed his brain power.
Health Reform and Spirituality
The failure to follow sound principles has marred the history of
God’s people. There has been a continual backsliding in health reform,
and as a result God is dishonored by a great lack of spirituality. Barriers
have been erected which would never have been seen had God’s people
walked in the light.