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All of the Living Organism is the Lord’s, May 9
In all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of
them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers
that were in all his realm.
Daniel 1:20
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Why did Daniel and his companions refuse to eat at the king’s table? Why did
they refuse his meats and wines? Because they had been taught that this class of
food would not keep the mind or the physical structure in the very best condition
of health to do God’s service. These youth urged most earnestly that the one
who had charge of their food should not compel them to partake of the king’s
luxuries, or drink of his wine. They begged him to try them ten days only, and then
examine them, and decide by their physical appearance whether their abstemious
diet would be to their disadvantage. When they came in for examination, the result
was decidedly in their favor.
It was otherwise with the youth who had eaten of the luxuries of the king’s
table, and drank of his wine. The clear sparkle of the eye was gone; the ruddy,
healthful glow had disappeared from the countenance. The four Hebrew captives
were thereafter permitted to have the diet they had chosen. What effect did it have
upon mind and character? They had conscientiously refused the stimulus of flesh
and of wine. They obeyed God’s will in self-denial, and He showed His approval.
He desired His servants to honor Him by their adherence to steadfast principle
in all their habits of life. Their countenances would be a certificate of physical
soundness and moral purity.
“And as for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all
learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
These youth had the Lord as their educator. The golden links of the chain of
heaven connected the finite with the infinite. They were partakers of the divine
nature. They were very careful to keep themselves in touch with God. They prayed
and studied and brought into their practical life strictly conscientious, humble
minds.... The word of the Lord was their meat and their drink. “And in all matters
of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten
times better than all the magicians and astrologers.” ...
When the children of faith shall with earnest prayer dedicate themselves to
God without reserve, the Lord will honor their faith, and will bless them with a
clear mind....
The very flesh in which the soul tabernacles, and through which it works, is the
Lord’s. We have no right to neglect any part of the living machinery. Every portion
of the living organism is the Lord’s. The knowledge of our own physical organism
should teach us that every member is to do God’s service, as an instrument of
righteousness.—
Special Testimonies, Series A 9:60-62
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