Teaching Health Principles
355
to diet, for this will bring confusion. His disregard of health reform
unfits him to stand as the Lord’s messenger.
The light that the Lord has given on this subject in His word is
plain, and men will be tested and tried in many ways to see if they will
heed it. Every church, every family, needs to be instructed in regard to
Christian temperance. All should know how to eat and drink in order to
preserve health. We are amid the closing scenes of this world’s history;
and there should be harmonious action in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers.
Those who stand aloof from the great work of instructing the people
upon this question, do not follow where the Great Physician leads
the way. “If any man will come after Me,” Christ said, “let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Matthew 16:24
.
Health Education in the Home
783. Parents should live more for their children, and less for
society. Study health subjects, and put your knowledge to a practical
use. Teach your children to reason from cause to effect. Teach them
that if they desire health and happiness, they must obey the laws of
nature. Though you may not see so rapid improvement as you desire,
be not discouraged, but patiently and perseveringly continue your
work.
Teach your children from the cradle to practice self-denial and
self-control. Teach them to enjoy the beauties of nature, and in useful
employments to exercise systematically all the powers of body and
mind. Bring them up to have sound constitutions and good morals,
to have sunny dispositions and sweet tempers. Impress upon their
tender minds the truth that God does not design that we should live
for present gratification merely, but for our ultimate good. Teach them
that to yield to temptation is weak and wicked; to resist, noble and
manly. These lessons will be as seed sown in good soil, and they will
bear fruit that will make your hearts glad.—
The Ministry of Healing,
386, 1905
[455]
God’s Work Hindered by Selfish Indulgence
784. There is a message regarding health reform to be borne in
every church. There is a work to be done in every school. Neither
principal nor teachers should be entrusted with the education of the