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Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
immortal inheritance, life that is as enduring as the life of God, the
Creator of the universe, happiness immeasurable, and an eternal weight
of glory,—but who have so long indulged their appetites, passions,
and inclinations, that their power to discern and appreciate the value
of eternal things is weakened.
Esau had a special, strong desire for a particular article of food,
and he had so long gratified self that he did not feel the necessity of
turning from the tempting, coveted dish. He thought upon it, making
no special effort to restrain his appetite, until the power of appetite bore
down every other consideration, and controlled him, and he imagined
that he would suffer great inconvenience, and even death, if he could
not have that particular dish. The more he thought upon it, the more
his desire strengthened, until his birthright, which was sacred, lost its
value and its sacredness.
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Testimonies for the Church 2:65
When we realize the requirements of God, we shall see that He
requires us to be temperate in all things. The end of our creation is to
glorify God in our bodies and spirits which are His. How can we do this
when we indulge the appetite to the injury of the physical and moral
powers? God requires that we present our bodies a living sacrifice.
Then the duty is enjoined on us to preserve that body in the very
best condition of health, that we may comply with His requirements.
“Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God.”
Testimonies for the Church 2:202-203
If the Saviour of men, with His divine strength, felt the need of
prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the neces-
sity of prayer,—fervent, constant prayer! When Christ was the most
fiercely beset by temptation, He ate nothing. He committed Himself
to God, and through earnest prayer, and perfect submission to the will
of His Father, came off conqueror. Those who profess the truth for
these last days, above every other class of professed Christians, should
imitate the great Exemplar in prayer.
“It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master, and the
servant as his Lord.” Our tables are frequently spread with luxuries