1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 

ABSTRACT

This article explores how we glorify God through health reform, spiritual growth, and obedience, drawing lessons from Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White to illustrate the harmony between physical care and eternal preparation. Ancient Israel’s experiences mirror our journey, urging vigilance against temptation and commitment to divine principles as we await Christ’s return. By integrating temperance and faith, we align our lives with God’s design, fostering maturity that reflects His glory in every aspect.

HEALTH HONOR THRILL!

The Bible calls us to glorify God in all aspects of life, including health, spiritual growth, and obedience. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” affirm the importance of aligning daily practices with divine principles. Scripture reveals that our body serves as the temple of the Holy Ghost within us, whom we receive from God, since we belong not to ourselves but were bought with a price, so we glorify God in our body and spirit, which are His (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, KJV). Ellen G. White teaches on health reform, emphasizing that diet and temperance prove essential for physical and spiritual well-being, as she asserts, “Dispense entirely with everything hurtful and use that which is healthful” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 373, 1900). Temperance reformers undertake a vital work in educating the community in these principles, teaching that health, character, and even life face endangerment by stimulants, which benumb the brain, weaken the memory, and impair self-control (A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, p. 39, 1933). Our heavenly Father sends the light of health reform to guard against evils from a debased appetite, enabling those who love purity and holiness to discern how to use with discretion the good things He provides, preserving His people in health of body and mind by every possible means (Child Guidance, p. 396, 1954). Beloved, we prosper and find health even as our soul prospers (3 John 1:2, KJV). By adhering to health laws that prioritize grains, fruits, and vegetables, we not only improve our quality of life but also demonstrate obedience to God’s design, serving as preparation for Christ’s return and showcasing harmony between physical and spiritual discipline—but how does pressing toward spiritual maturity elevate this foundation of bodily care?

SPIRIT SAGA SURGE!

Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” highlights the importance of spiritual growth and perseverance for the community. The call to “go on unto perfection” in Hebrews 6:1 urges us to strive for maturity, reflecting God’s spirit, wisdom, and goodness. Sr. White emphasizes this accountability: “The spirit, wisdom, and goodness of God, revealed in His word, are to be exemplified by the disciples of Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 123, 1871). We grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, ascribing glory to Him both now and forever (2 Peter 3:18, KJV). Speaking the truth in love enables growth up into Him in all things, who serves as the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15, KJV). Christ advances the moral nature to the noble, the true, and the good through the silent work of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth (The Desire of Ages, p. 173, 1898). God requires complete surrender of the heart to Him for true spiritual development (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). This imperative underscores the responsibility to live according to God’s truth, warning that neglecting this light leads to spiritual weakness, as Sr. White notes, “Many have neglected to follow the light, and for this reason they are in a state of great spiritual weakness” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 123, 1871). Growth in faith requires consistent adherence to God’s guidance, avoiding complacency and actively pursuing righteousness—what profound lessons from ancient Israel’s history guide our path through modern wilderness trials?

WILDERNESS WARNING EPIC!

The history of ancient Israel provides profound lessons for us today. Paul reminds us in Romans 15:4, “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,” pointing to the experiences of the Israelites as examples of obedience and its consequences. Sr. White supports this perspective, stating, “The Old Testament is given by inspiration of God and is profitable” (Education, p. 191, 1903). All these events happened to them as examples, and they stand written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world arrive (1 Corinthians 10:11, KJV). Today, if we hear His voice, we harden not our hearts as in the provocation, during the day of temptation in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:7-8, KJV). The lessons of Old Testament history, if faithfully studied, teach us this truth: Christ, enshrouded in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, leads the way for His people through the wilderness (This Day With God, p. 254, 1979). As a people, we prove sadly deficient in searching the Scriptures, neither the Old Testament nor the New, as we should, missing these vital lessons (The Review and Herald, May 6, 1884). Their wilderness journey illustrates the perils of disobedience, such as murmuring and lusting after worldly things, which Sr. White equates with sin (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 284, 1868). These behaviors delayed their entry into the Promised Land, just as spiritual failures today hinder the progress of God’s people. The parallel between Israel’s experiences and the Advent movement, especially the Great Disappointment of 1844, highlights the ongoing need for faithfulness. Sr. White laments, “It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness,” drawing a connection to the delay in Christ’s return (The Great Controversy, p. 457, 1888). These lessons call us to renewed dedication to our mission and readiness for Christ’s coming—how does Israel’s pivotal moment at the Jordan River symbolize our own transition to claiming divine promises?

JORDAN JUMP POWER!

As Israel prepared to cross the Jordan River, their journey symbolized a transition from wandering to claiming God’s promises. This historical moment offers a spiritual parallel for us today, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and consecration. Sr. White reflects on the Israelites’ preparation, warning, “Satan is determined to keep his hold on the land of Canaan” (Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 688–689, 1890). The Lord commands us to be strong and of good courage, fearing not nor dismaying, for He accompanies us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9, KJV). The priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stand firm on dry ground in Jordan’s midst, while all Israel passes over on dry ground until everyone crosses completely (Joshua 3:17, KJV). God wills the passage of Israel over Jordan to unfold miraculously, demonstrating His power (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 481, 1890). The crossing of Jordan types the experience awaiting God’s people, calling for full trust in divine leading (Early Writings, p. 75, 1882). Modern Christians face similar opposition as we strive for spiritual maturity. The call to “watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Mark 14:38) proves vital in overcoming challenges and advancing toward spiritual victory. Understanding these lessons from Israel’s journey enhances our readiness to enter the heavenly Canaan, inspiring a life dedicated to God’s glory in all things—what unifying principles from health, growth, and obedience propel us toward ultimate victory?

PRINCIPLES POWER FINALE!

The principles of health reform, spiritual growth, and obedience to God’s guidance stand central to the Christian life. By following the light revealed in Scripture and the inspired writings of Sr. White, we align our lives with God’s purpose, reflecting His glory. As the Israelites’ journey illustrates, faithfulness and preparation prove essential to overcoming spiritual challenges and entering the fullness of God’s promises. Through vigilance and perseverance, we press toward the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, striving to glorify Him in all aspects of life. Layers of study built through examining the text apply to grasping deeper theological and historical contexts, adding depth and richness to our understanding of God’s Word, helping us see the full picture and live it out in our daily lives.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV): What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths on health and obedience, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes on spiritual growth and Israel’s lessons to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about health reform and divine laws in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?