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

ABSTRACT

This article explores the divine mandate for health reform within our faith community, highlighting God’s condemnation of neglectful leadership and the spiritual-physical interplay in well-being, while tracing historical challenges in the early 1900s, the crucial role of ministers in leading by example, the connection to the third angel’s message, strategies for overcoming resistance through patience, the call for personal and communal accountability, and the enduring relevance today as we align lifestyles with God’s will for a purified church ready for Christ’s return.

THE JOURNEY TOWARD HEALTH REFORM

In Ezekiel 34:4, God condemns leaders who neglect the weak and sick, declaring, “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken.” This scripture sets the tone for our reflection on health reform and its integration into faith. Health is not only a personal journey but also a spiritual mandate, emphasizing the interplay between physical and spiritual well-being. Our principles remind us, gradual progress—not abrupt enforcement—leads to lasting change. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2, 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 (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, KJV). Ellen G. White admonished that the health reform is a part of the third angel’s message and just as closely connected with it as the hand is with the body (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 85, 1868). A passage from Counsels on Diet and Foods reminds us that 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. 18, 1938). Through such divine counsel, we see how nurturing the body honors the Creator and fortifies the spirit for service. How might early challenges reveal the path to true integration of these truths in our midst?

EARLY CHALLENGES IN HEALTH REFORM

The early 1900s posed significant challenges to integrating health reform into practice. Ellen G. White admonished that “the flesh of animals is not the proper food” and warned against cultivating “animal passions” through meat consumption (Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 390-391, 1938). Despite this, many church leaders, including General Conference delegates, still consumed meat. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22, KJV). Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty, and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags (Proverbs 23:20-21, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, let not any of our ministers set an evil example in the eating of flesh meat; let them and their families live up to the light of health reform (Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods, p. 138, 1926). The inspired pen further declares, our preachers should teach the health reform, yet they should not make this the leading theme in the place of the message (Gospel Workers, p. 335, 1915). These words urge leaders to embody the message they proclaim. How could the church enforce reforms its leaders had yet to adopt?

Resistance was evident when, in the 1903 General Conference, God rebuked the church for equating health reform’s rejection with rejecting divine guidance (General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903, p. 24). This resistance highlights the tension between divine ideals and human reluctance. Leadership’s lack of commitment created a ripple effect. Sr. White observed, “Ministers must be converted before they can strengthen their brethren” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 469-470, 1868). And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat (Daniel 1:15, KJV). If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, with all our profession of health reform, many of us eat improperly; in many respects some eat to excess, indulging their taste at the expense of health (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 141, 1938). In The Ministry of Healing, we read that our bodies are built up from the food we eat; there is a constant breaking down of the tissues of the body; every movement of every organ involves waste, and this waste needs to be repaired (The Ministry of Healing, p. 295, 1905). Such truths expose how unheeded light dims our witness. Have we, as individuals or communities, examined our own readiness to embrace change before encouraging others?

THE ROLE OF MINISTERS AND LEADERSHIP

Sr. White’s writings often emphasize the pivotal role of ministers in health reform. She declared, “The gospel of health has able advocates, but their work has been made very hard because so many ministers… have failed to give the question of health reform its proper attention” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 327, 1900). Ministers’ failure to lead by example hindered the broader adoption of reforms. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:8, KJV). I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat; it was contrary to His plan to have the life of any creature taken (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 373, 1938). A passage from Counsels for the Church reminds us, it is for their own good that the Lord counsels the remnant church to discard the use of flesh meats, tea, and coffee, and other harmful foods (Counsels for the Church, p. 222, 1972). These directives call forth exemplary lives that inspire the flock. Are we leaders in health and spiritual stewardship, or do we inadvertently obstruct progress?

The interconnectedness of health reform and the third angel’s message was particularly emphasized. Sr. White stated, “Health reform is connected with the third angel’s message” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 470, 1868). For the church to present itself as “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27, KJV), health reform must take root. This process requires self-denial and an earnest commitment to align physical habits with spiritual principles. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord (Leviticus 18:5, KJV). Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go forth as a strong stream, and thy salvation from year to year (Isaiah 58:6-8, partial, KJV). The inspired pen declares, the health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the body (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 85, 1868). In The Desire of Ages, a prophetic voice once wrote, the religion of Christ transforms the heart; it makes the worldly-minded man heavenly-minded (The Desire of Ages, p. 173, 1898). Such links bind our wholeness to the gospel’s power. Are we willing to undertake this journey, both individually and collectively?

OVERCOMING RESISTANCE TO REFORM

Resistance to reform often stems from misunderstanding or fear of change. Sr. White noted that “those who rejected [health reform] rejected God” (General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903, p. 24). Yet, gradual acceptance of vegetarianism and other reforms demonstrated the power of patience and persistence. The church’s journey reminds us that transformation is often incremental. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases (Psalm 103:3, KJV). But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, many have backslidden from their former loyalty to health reform principles; the light that God has given is being disregarded (Country Living, p. 21, 1946). A passage from Testimonies for the Church affirms, I urge that those who are taking a neutral position in regard to health reform be converted; this light is precious (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 374, 1900). Patience thus paves the way for enduring victory. Have we extended grace to ourselves and others in the face of change, recognizing that progress—not perfection—is the goal?

Health reform’s opposition was not merely logistical but deeply spiritual. Ellen G. White observed that God’s blessings accompanied adherence to health principles, fostering both physical and spiritual prosperity (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 327, 1900). This intertwining of health and spirituality challenges us to consider how our dietary and lifestyle choices reflect our spiritual convictions. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, KJV). Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you (Acts 27:34, KJV). In The Ministry of Healing, we read that God desires our bodies to be preserved in the best condition of health, for He is the great Healer (The Ministry of Healing, p. 114, 1905). The inspired pen further declares, there is sickness everywhere, and most of it might be prevented by attention to the laws of health (Counsels on Health, p. 29, 1923). Obedience unlocks heaven’s bounty for body and soul. How do our choices echo this sacred bond?

A CALL TO PERSONAL AND COMMUNAL COMMITMENT

Sr. White’s teachings call for personal and communal accountability. She wrote, “It is a duty to know how to preserve the body in the very best condition of health” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 27, 1938). This sacred duty extends beyond individual action, inviting communities to support one another. As I reflect on my own journey, I see areas where I have faltered but also moments where God’s grace has enabled growth. Together, we can create an environment that fosters health and spiritual vitality. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague (Mark 5:34, KJV). Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague (Luke 8:48, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, in teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object of reform—that its purpose is to secure the highest development of body and mind and soul (Counsels on Health, p. 425, 1923). Through inspired counsel we are told, your individual influence is exercised for good or for evil; if you defile your body, you are not only doing harm to yourself, but to many others (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 191, 1955). Grace empowers our collective rise. The church’s historical reluctance to fully embrace health reform serves as a cautionary tale. Yet, it also offers hope, illustrating how perseverance and divine guidance can bring about meaningful change. Are we prepared to answer the call, not only for our own well-being but for the collective good of our communities?

EMBRACING REFORM TODAY

Health reform remains as relevant today as it was in the early 20th century. Sr. White’s vision of a purified church challenges us to prioritize physical and spiritual health. She encouraged, “Make a covenant with God by sacrifice” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, pp. 153-154, 1909). This covenant calls for self-discipline and a commitment to better choices. As society grapples with health crises and environmental concerns, adopting these principles becomes an act of stewardship and faith. Ultimately, the journey toward health reform is not merely about diet but about aligning our lives with God’s will. By embracing these principles, we honor the Creator, nurture our bodies, and strengthen our communities. Let us walk this path together, striving to become a glorious church ready for Christ’s return. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (1 Corinthians 9:27, KJV). The light God has given on health reform is for our salvation and the salvation of the world; men and women should be informed in regard to the human habitation (Our High Calling, p. 258, 1961). In The Ministry of Healing, a passage reminds us, the people must be taught to depend on the Lord’s remedies—pure air, pure water, simple, healthful foods (The Ministry of Healing, p. 125, 1905). Stewardship today heralds tomorrow’s glory.

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into health reform principles, allowing them to shape my daily habits and spiritual priorities for greater wholeness?

How can we adapt health reform teachings 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 are the most common misconceptions about health reform in our 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 examples of health stewardship, living out the harmony of body and spirit in preparation for Christ’s return?