Health Reform by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 7, 1914

Health Reform

By Editor

THE question of healthful living is one which should be considered primarily from a physiological standpoint. The instruction which God has given to his church with reference to this subject is not based upon arbitrary decision. Back of every direction for safeguarding the health given in the Scriptures of Truth there is a physiological reason. Anciently the Lord prohibited the use of certain foods on account of the results which would follow their use. The use of these foods by man would weaken his bodily powers and lessen his mental strength, making him less capable of understanding and appreciating God, and less responsive to divine influences. For the same reason strong drink was prohibited, and every other unwholesome food and drink. These same principles apply at the present time. To the extent that any food undermines the bodily health, beclouds the mind, and benumbs the sensibilities, making one less capable of appreciating the gospel, its use is detrimental to the soul as well as to the body. The apostle Paul exhorts the church: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31.

But the primary basis upon which questions of this character rest, and the standpoint from which they should be considered, is the physiological rather than the moral. The question of diet rests upon the same basis as does that of ventilation, clothing, exercise, etc. The relationship which the subject of health reform sustains to this message is very clearly stated in the article from Sister E. G. White found in this number. We quote:—

"Health reform is closely connected with the work of the third message, yet it is not the message. Our preachers should teach the health reform, yet they should not make this the leading theme in the place of the message. Its place is among those subjects which set forth the preparatory work to meet the events brought to view by the message; among these it is prominent."

Some have mistakenly made the teaching of health reform the message. Others have made the equally serious mistake of disregarding the subject altogether, and of casting their influence directly against the teaching of such principles. It is for us to recognize and appreciate the instruction which through the Scriptures of Truth and the spirit of prophecy has been given to this people regarding this question. The disregard of this instruction may lead not only to temporal and physical loss, but to spiritual and eternal loss.

There is need today in all our churches of reasonable and consistent instruction with reference to the question of healthful living. Every reader needs to study this question for himself, for application to himself, rather than to his brother. Much misunderstanding has arisen in the past because some have felt a burden to apply the principles to others rather than to themselves. We should seek to exemplify in our own experience the blessedness of the principles which we hold. This sort of preaching is far more effective than any censure or denunciation in which we may engage against those who do not regard these questions in the same light that we do. Let us learn that even above the practice of health principles the exercise of brotherly love and Christian charity has its place. This spirit of love, if coupled with consistent example on our part, will go a long way in effecting needed reforms.