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

ABSTRACT

This article illuminates the essential link between dietary choices and spiritual vitality, revealing how health reform fortifies our ability to uphold God’s commandments like bearers of the sacred ark. Through scriptural truths and the profound counsel of Sr. White, we uncover the divine call to treat our bodies as holy temples by embracing a plant-centered diet that enhances physical strength, mental clarity, and eternal readiness. As a community, we reflect on these principles to foster introspection, collective action, and a powerful witness that advances God’s unchanging truth amid worldly distractions.

DIETARY REFORM AND BEARING THE ARK

When we consider the profound messages found in Scripture and the writings of Sr. White, dietary reform emerges as an integral part of spiritual growth. This blog explores how our health, diet, and faith intersect, emphasizing the sacred duty of bearing the ark and upholding God’s commandments. Together, we examine these principles while engaging us across faith traditions in introspection and action. God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat, as it was contrary to His plan to have the life of any creature taken (Genesis 1:29, KJV). Sr. White affirms this foundation by noting, “God gave to men that which was the best adapted for the promotion of health and the development of physical and intellectual power, and by which the race might reach the highest standard of excellence” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4, p. 120, 1864). In teaching health principles, we keep before the mind the great object of reform—that its purpose secures the highest development of body and mind and soul, that the human organism may be a temple in which God can dwell and the Holy Spirit find a fitting abode (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 381, 1938). Excessive indulgence in eating, drinking, sleeping, or seeing becomes sin, yet the harmonious healthy action of all the powers of body and mind results in happiness (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 310, 1938). These divine provisions guide our path forward, but what sacred vessel symbolizes our commitment to these truths?

BODY TEMPLE THRILLS!

“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?” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This scripture reminds us that our bodies serve as sacred vessels for God’s Spirit. The decisions we make about our health directly impact our ability to serve Him fully. Sr. White underscores this by stating, “When the message comes to those who have not heard the truth for this time, they see that a great reformation must take place in their diet” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 268, 1938). Know ye not that ye form the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you, for if any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy, since the temple of God remains holy, which temple ye embody (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, KJV). Sr. White elaborates on this sanctity, declaring, “The health should be as sacredly guarded as the character. Our physical, mental, and moral powers are not our own, but lent us by God to be preserved, and used for Him” (Healthful Living, p. 23, 1897). I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which constitutes your reasonable service (Romans 12:1, KJV). Sr. White further illuminates, “A pure, healthy life proves most favorable for the perfection of Christian character and for the development of the powers of mind and body—both for this life and for the life to come” (Counsels on Health, p. 586, 1923). This realization often leads us to move away from flesh foods, which degrade physical, mental, and spiritual vitality. Just as the temple required cleansing and sanctification, so too must we purify our lives by embracing a wholesome diet of nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables—the original foods provided in Eden. Yet, how do our eating habits shape not just personal vigor but also character and eternal outcomes?

HEALTH REFORM MUST!

Sr. White emphasizes, “There are but few as yet who are aroused sufficiently to understand how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their characters, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 488-489, 1868). Here, Sr. White links diet to our character and spiritual readiness. Be not wise in thine own eyes, but fear the Lord and depart from evil, for it shall bring health to thy navel and marrow to thy bones (Proverbs 3:7-8, KJV). Sr. White reinforces this connection, stating, “The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message and is just as closely connected with it as the hand is with the body” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 85, 1868). Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, perform all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). Sr. White adds depth, observing, “It is the duty of every person, for his own sake, and for the sake of humanity and the world, to consider how much better his condition will be, and how much happier he will be, if he is a disciple of Christ, who sought to do the will of God in all things” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 214, 1905). Our duty extends beyond personal adherence; it requires sharing these principles with others. Health reform, as part of the broader gospel message, prepares us to serve as effective witnesses for Christ. It aligns our physical health with our spiritual goals, ensuring we become vessels of honor for God’s service. But what emblem captures the weight of proclaiming God’s presence through such reforms?

ARK SACRED HAUL!

The ark of the covenant—a symbol of God’s law and presence—represents the sacred duty of proclaiming His truth. Sr. White’s vision in Early Writings describes the ark’s splendor: “In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold… Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory” (Early Writings, p. 32, 1882). This awe-inspiring image reminds us of the holiness of God’s commandments. Sr. White warns, however, that neglecting God’s principles—including health reform—may lead to losing the privilege of bearing the ark. “If the people of God do not change their course of action, they may no longer bear the ark” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 488, 1868). At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day (Deuteronomy 10:8, KJV). Sr. White highlights the peril, cautioning, “If the light God has given in regard to health reform is disregarded, He will not work a miracle to keep in health those who pursue a course to make themselves sick” (A Compilation of Testimonies, p. 58, 1904). When Aaron and his sons finish covering the sanctuary and all vessels for the camp’s forward movement, the sons of Kohath come to bear it, but they touch no holy thing lest they die, as these form the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation (Numbers 4:15, KJV). Sr. White stresses, “The work of health reform serves as the Lord’s means for lessening suffering in our world and for purifying His church” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 526, 1938). This solemn warning calls us to repentance and renewed commitment to God’s law. Despite such cautions, can divine truth ever truly halt in its advance?

TRUTH ROLLS ON!

Despite challenges, God’s truth advances unhindered. Sr. White assures us, “Some will go out from among us who will bear the ark no longer. But these cannot make walls to obstruct the truth; for it will go onward and upward to the end” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 411, 1923). And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32, KJV). Sr. White declares, “The efforts made to retard the progress of truth only serve to extend it, for the excellence of truth becomes more apparent when opposed” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 457, 1889). So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:11, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The truth of God progresses; it always moves onward, going from strength to greater strength, from light to greater light” (Early Writings, p. 54, 1882). The progression of truth inspires confidence that God’s work will not fail. Yet it also places responsibility on us to actively uphold these principles. To join the faithful remnant, we must embrace dietary reform as a reflection of our commitment to God’s law. How, then, do these eternal verities play out in our individual lives and shared fellowship?

COMMUNAL POWER-UP!

Personally, I have found that aligning my diet with God’s principles brings physical vitality and spiritual clarity. By avoiding flesh foods, I experience a greater sense of discipline and connection to God’s will. God proves faithful, by whom ye received the call unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9, KJV). Sr. White encourages, “A meat diet changes the disposition and strengthens animalism. We are composed of what we eat, and eating much flesh diminishes intellectual activity” (Counsels for the Church, p. 375, 1972). Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25, KJV). Sr. White urges, “Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how to live healthfully for all classes of minds. The diet of all should be such that the people can be taught to eat healthfully without being shocked at the change” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 135, 1902). As a community, we bear the ark together. Our collective faithfulness strengthens our witness to the world. Let us support one another in adopting these reforms, recognizing that our actions influence not only our own salvation but also the salvation of others. As Sr. White reminds us, “The work of health reform is the Lord’s means for lessening suffering in our world and for purifying His church” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 44, 1938). What ultimate summons arises from this shared pursuit of holiness?

FAITHFULNESS CALL!

Dietary reform stands as more than a personal health choice; it forms a sacred duty tied to our spiritual mission. By treating our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, embracing health reform, and faithfully bearing the ark, we align ourselves with God’s will. Let us take to heart the call to live wholly for Him, knowing that our faithfulness today impacts our eternal destiny. As we, we hold the privilege and responsibility to share these truths with a world in need of healing and hope. Will you join me in embracing these reforms, not only for personal growth but also as a witness to God’s redeeming power? Together, we can bear the ark and shine His light to the world. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2, KJV). Sr. White calls forth, “It is time for us to wake up and to make most earnest efforts for the reformation of the church. God calls upon His people to repent of their transgressions, and to turn to Him with full purpose of heart” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 153, 1909). Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed, for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16, KJV). Sr. White exhorts, “God calls for reform on every point. The disease of the people of God is disobedience of His law. They have transgressed His commandments, and taught others to transgress. They have gone astray from the plainest principles of His word” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 17, 1900).

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SELF-REFLECTION

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

How can we adapt these complex themes 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 these topics 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?