Control of Appetite
125
a determined effort to control the appetite, or to observe proper rules
in regard to diet. They eat too much, even at their meals, and some
eat between meals whenever the temptation is presented. If those who
profess to be Christians desire to solve the questions so perplexing to
them, why their minds are so dull, why their religious aspirations are
so feeble, they need not, in many instances, go farther than the table;
here is cause enough, if there were no other.
Many separate themselves from God by their indulgence of ap-
petite. He who notices the fall of a sparrow, who numbers the very
hairs of the head, marks the sin of those who indulge perverted appetite
[160]
at the expense of weakening the physical powers, benumbing the in-
tellect, and deadening the moral perceptions.—
Christian Temperance
and Bible Hygiene, 83, 1890
A Future Day of Remorse
247. Many are incapacitated for both mentally and physically by
overeating and the gratification of the lustful passions. The animal
propensities are strengthened, while the moral and spiritual nature is
enfeebled. When we shall stand around the great white throne, what a
record will the lives of many then present. Then will they see what they
might have done had they not debased their God-given powers. Then
will they realize what height of intellectual greatness they might have
attained, had they given to God all the physical and mental strength
He had entrusted to them. In their agony or remorse they will long to
have their lives to live over again.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:135,
1882
[
Mental and Physical Effects of Overeating—219, 220
]
Unnatural Appetite to Be Restrained
248. Providence has been leading the people of God out from the
extravagant habits of the world, away from the indulgence of appetite
and passion, to take their stand upon the platform of self-denial, and
temperance in all things. The people whom God is leading will be
peculiar. They will not be like the world. If they follow the leadings
of God, they will accomplish His purposes, and will yield their will to
His will. Christ will dwell in the heart. The temple of God will be holy.
Your body, says the apostle, is the temple of the Holy Ghost. God does