For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20, KJV).

ABSTRACT

Christian temperance calls us to honor God through the stewardship of our bodies as living temples of His Spirit. Scripture teaches that health and holiness are inseparable (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 3 John 1:2), while Ellen White affirms health reform as part of the gospel’s saving message. Neglecting natural laws weakens spiritual vitality, but obedience to divine principles restores harmony of body, mind, and soul. By embracing temperance, believers become guardians of God’s temple, reflecting His glory through disciplined living and preparing for eternal life with Christ.

DIVINE HEALTH LAWS: CARING FOR BODY AND SOUL

The profound connection between physical health and spiritual well-being underscores God’s design for holistic living, calling us to steward our bodies as sacred vessels that honor Him in every aspect of existence. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2, KJV), while a merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, KJV). In the inspired writings of Ellen G. White, we find, “Our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us the great blessing of health reform, that we may glorify Him by obeying the claims He has upon us. It is the duty of those who claim to be Christians to obey the laws of God in all things, and health reform is a part of that obedience” (Counsels on Health, p. 240, 1923). A prophetic voice further affirms, “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). These truths reveal how neglecting physical care undermines spiritual vitality, yet embracing health principles fosters divine harmony within us. How do we ensure that our lives align with this high calling?

The connection between physical health and spiritual well-being is a profound truth emphasized throughout Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White. The Apostle Paul asks in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 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 (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, KJV), as ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee (Exodus 23:25, KJV). Through inspired counsel, Ellen G. White declares, “It is not possible to render to God acceptable service while we are suffering under disease. Children need the daily lesson that life and health are not to be sacrificed to the love of sweetmeats and of appetite” (The Health Reformer, p. 200, 1871). Sr. White adds, “A pure, healthy life is most favorable for the perfection of Christian character and for the development of the powers of mind and body” (Counsels on Health, p. 200, 1923). These verses highlight our sacred responsibility to care for our bodies, not merely as physical vessels but as sanctuaries of God’s Spirit.

HEALTH AS A SACRED RESPONSIBILITY

Sr. White underscores the gravity of health violations, viewing them not as minor oversights but as grievous sins. It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the Ten Commandments (Healthful Living, p. 21, 1897). Indulgence in harmful practices—overeating, intemperance, or neglecting exercise—enslaves individuals to their appetites. Men and women have made themselves slaves to appetite (Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 417, 1958). Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones (Proverbs 3:7-8, KJV), for beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets, a passage reminds us, “God has given us His law, which is a transcript of His character, and in this law is embodied the principle of self-surrender to God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 52, 1890). Through prophetic insight, we learn, “It is a duty to know how to preserve the body in the very best condition of health, and it is a sacred duty to live up to this knowledge” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 310, 1938). Such enslavement disrupts the harmony between mind and body, fracturing the very unity God intended. Imagine a beautiful symphony where every instrument is perfectly tuned. Violating health laws is akin to introducing discordant notes, throwing the entire composition into chaos. By caring for our physical health, we honor the Creator and allow His Spirit to work through us effectively. How do natural laws connect to divine principles in promoting this harmony?

THE LAWS OF NATURE AND SPIRITUAL HARMONY

Sr. White beautifully connects natural laws to divine principles, stating, The same great laws that guide alike the star and the atom control human life (Education, pp. 99-100, 1903). These laws, designed by God, promote harmonious living. Ignoring them leads to both physical and spiritual chaos. A continual transgression of nature’s laws is a continual transgression of the law of God (Counsels on Health, p. 80, 1923). Have you ever felt out of sync, unable to focus or pray effectively? For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came (Job 3:25-26, KJV), because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (Romans 1:21, KJV). In The Ministry of Healing we read, “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 576, 1905). The inspired pen reveals, “We have no right to wantonly violate a single principle of the laws of health. Christians should not follow the customs and practices of the world” (Counsels on Health, p. 240, 1923). This disconnection often mirrors a disregard for these sacred principles. Sr. White’s assertion reminds us that health reform is not optional for us. Disobedience—whether through neglect or willful ignorance—is a direct affront to God’s design. As she warns in Healthful Living (p. 21, 1897), “The penalty will surely follow.” Let us reflect: Are we living in harmony with these divine laws, or are we jeopardizing our spiritual growth by neglecting our physical well-being? What dangers arise from gradual neglect of these principles?

GRADUAL SELF-DESTRUCTION: A WARNING

In her writings, Sr. White equates gradual self-destruction through unhealthy habits to more immediate forms of taking life. To take one’s life instantly is no greater sin in the sight of Heaven than to destroy it gradually (Solemn Appeal, pp. 26-27, 1870). Consider how small choices—a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, or insufficient rest—accumulate over time, eroding health and vitality. These decisions, though seemingly insignificant, can lead to irreversible consequences. As individuals and communities, we often avoid confronting the root causes of our poor health. Instead, we focus on alleviating symptoms. This avoidance mirrors a spiritual problem: failing to address sin’s root while seeking superficial remedies. Disease never comes without a cause. The way is first prepared, and disease invited by disregarding the laws of health (Healthful Living, p. 440, 1897). That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:22-23, KJV), for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23, KJV). A passage from Temperance warns, “A practice that is laying the foundation of a vast amount of disease and of even more serious evils, is the free use of poisonous drugs” (Temperance, p. 448, 1949). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Unhealthy… Nature has been abused, her efforts crippled by wrong habits and indulgence in sinful luxuries, until taste and appetite are alike perverted” (Temperance, p. 886, 1949). Are we actively pursuing habits that glorify God, or are we complicit in slow self-destruction? How does resistance to health principles reflect deeper spiritual rebellion?

REJECTING HEALTH REFORM: A SPIRITUAL REBELLION

Sr. White’s observations on resistance to health reform are sobering. Some dismissed her teachings, attributing them to human ideas rather than divine revelation. God gave the light on health reform, and those who rejected it rejected God (General Conference Bulletin, 1903, pp. 86-87). This rejection reflects a deeper issue: the unwillingness to submit fully to God’s will. How often do we rationalize unhealthy choices by dismissing them as personal preferences? By doing so, we reject God’s guidance and place our desires above His commands. Health reform, when embraced, fosters physical vitality and deepens spiritual communion. By neglecting it, we risk estrangement from God’s will. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king (1 Samuel 15:23, KJV), if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it (Isaiah 1:20, KJV). In Counsels on Diet and Foods, we read, “He who cherishes the light which God has given him upon health reform has an important aid in the work of becoming sanctified through the truth, and fitted for translation” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 310, 1938). The inspired pen declares, “God wants them to be health reformers. He wants them to live up to the light that has been given on this subject” (Counsels on Health, p. 701, 1923). Can health reform serve as a pathway to personal redemption and renewal?

HEALTH REFORM AS A PATH TO REDEMPTION

Sr. White’s writings encourage us to view health reform as an opportunity for redemption and renewal. An aimless life is a living death. The powers of the mind should be exercised upon themes relating to our eternal interests (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 417, 1885). Caring for our health is not merely about physical longevity but about aligning our lives with eternal purposes. Through proper diet, rest, exercise, and temperance, we become better stewards of the bodies God has entrusted to us. Imagine the joy and peace that come from living in harmony with His design. As a community, we must support one another in this journey, sharing resources, encouragement, and accountability. It is our work to obtain a knowledge of these principles, and by obedience to cooperate with Him in restoring health to the body as well as to the soul (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 84, 1938). Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10, KJV), and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2, KJV). Through prophetic insight, Sr. White explains, “Our Heavenly Father sent the light of health reform to guard against the evils resulting from a debased appetite” (Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, p. 2683, 1922). A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “If you would be transformed by the renewing of your mind and be converted, deal truly with your own soul” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 352, 1871). What urgent call does this truth issue to our community today?

A CALL TO ACTION

The message is clear: honoring the laws of health is an act of worship. By aligning our habits with God’s design, we create a sanctuary for His Spirit. Let us remember Paul’s words: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). I encourage you to reflect on your own practices. Are they bringing you closer to God, or are they creating barriers? Together, as a faith community, we can recommit to health reform, not as a burden but as a blessing—a means to glorify God and experience the abundant life He promises. In doing so, we honor both our Creator and the sacred temples He has given us. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20, KJV), honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase (Proverbs 3:9, KJV). In The Ministry of Healing, a prophetic voice once wrote, “The laws of nature, as truly as the precepts of the Decalogue, are divine, and only in obedience to them can health be preserved or recovered” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 836, 1905). Sr. White affirms, “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. 526, 1938).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these health principles, allowing them to shape my daily choices and priorities?

How can we adapt these truths on temperance to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from long-time community members to newcomers or those from varied backgrounds, without diluting scriptural depth?

What common misunderstandings about health reform exist in our circles, and how can I address them compassionately using the Bible and Sr. White’s insights?

In practical terms, how can our congregations and individuals embody these principles more fully, becoming vibrant examples of God’s healing power and hope?