Health – Purposed in His Heart

Sometimes we make our life so complicated, even though God wants to make life simple. “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 9:25).

Daniel and his three friends stand out as a Biblical example of the benefits of a temperate, healthful, flesh-free diet.

What about today? As in the human race, disease in animals is increasing. Diseased meat and other animal products are a common source of food-borne illness. “Disease in cattle is making meat eating a dangerous matter. The Lord’s curse is upon the earth, upon man, upon beasts, upon the fish in the sea; and as transgression becomes almost universal, the curse will be permitted to become as broad and as deep as the transgression. Disease is contracted by the use of meat. …

“In a short time it will not be safe to use anything that comes from the animal creation.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 411.

“Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to His original design—that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth. …

“Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it.” Ibid., 380, 381.

“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect, that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.” Ibid., 313.

“Instructions on Eating: The disease and suffering that prevail everywhere are largely due to popular errors in diet. By carefully following the instructions in the table, one may avoid many diseases.

“Skip one to four meals periodically. Fasting is an aid to educating the appetite and a rehearsal for self-control. Fasting is the best remedy for many illnesses, especially for people who do not do much physical labor.” God’s Healing Way, Mary Ann McNeilus, M.D.

Will you purpose in your heart to begin right now implementing these suggestions into your lifestyle if you are not already doing so? May God bless your efforts to retain or restore the gift of health in you.

  • Eat largely of fruits and vegetables prepared in a natural yet tasty way.
  • Vary your diet from meal to meal, but do not eat too many varieties at any one meal. Keep both the meals and the dishes simple.
  • Use more of the whole grains such as whole wheat bread and brown rice. Use less food prepared from refined white flour and white rice.
  • Limit the rich foods. Eat less sugar, salt, and oils. Avoid spices, grease (especially lard), baking powder, baking soda, and vinegar.
  • Eat at the same mealtime daily and allow at least 5 hours from the end of one meal to the beginning of the next meal. The digestive system works most efficiently when kept on a regular schedule.
  • Do not eat between meals. Eating between meals slows stomach emptying and gives time for the partially digested food already in the stomach to ferment.
  • Eat a good breakfast. This should be the largest meal of the day. If eaten at all, supper should be the smallest meal of the day. Eat supper at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Eat all you need to maintain health and enjoy your food, but do not overeat. Too much food dulls the mind, causes tiredness, increases disease, and shortens life.
  • Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly will increase the enjoyment and the nutritional benefits of food. Mealtime should be pleasant and unhurried.
  • Drink enough water daily to keep the urine pale, but do not drink with your meals or just before or after meals.