Question
Is health reform really a part of the Gospel?
Answer
The principles of how to live healthfully are given to us to be a blessing. Is there anyone who really enjoys being sick or not feeling well or being in real pain and misery, which many times ends in premature death? “Only one lease of life is granted us; and the inquiry with every one should be, ‘How can I invest my powers so that they may yield the greatest profit? How can I do most for the glory of God and the benefit of my fellow men?’ For life is valuable only as it is used for the attainment of these ends.” Counsels on Health, 107.
The object of health reform is not just to give us better health, but to promote happiness, to give us clearer minds with which to think, and to prepare us for the heavenly kingdom. It is given in love for the human race that we might develop a character like that of Jesus.
From the very beginning of time here on this earth, Satan has been an enemy of God. The best way that he can fight against Him is to gain control of the human race. In the book Temperance, written by Ellen White, she states: “Satan is constantly on the alert to bring the race fully under his control. His strongest hold on man is through the appetite, and this he seeks to stimulate in every possible way.” Ibid., 13.
On the contrary, Christ is seeking the human race to become the subjects of heaven to be under the kingdom of God. He is seeking to help them to learn to be like Himself, which is the only way to true life and happiness. To do this we must learn to obey His rules and live like Him. One of the first things that Jesus did when He came to save us was to fast 40 days in the wilderness to gain strength to give us the power to overcome the temptation of appetite.
“We have been redeemed by a costly ransom. Only by the greatness of this ransom can we conceive of its results. On this earth, the earth whose soil has been moistened by the tears and the blood of the Son of God, are to be brought forth the precious fruits of Paradise. In the lives of God’s people the truths of His word are to reveal their glory and excellence. Through His people Christ is to manifest His character and the principles of His kingdom.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 296.
So, now, since we have the power of choice, we may choose to have Satan’s diet or the diet that has been chosen for us by our Heavenly Father. The results of our choice we must accept.
The Gospel includes the good news that Jesus is coming again to take us home to heaven. It is the instruction as to how to prepare for our heavenly home, so that we will be ready to fit into the society of heaven and be prepared to live throughout eternity with Jesus and the angels. Surely the health reform message is part of the good news.
“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Ibid. 69. The message of health reform is just part of the message that helps us to develop a character like Christ.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.