Diet and Spirituality
45
“It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master, and the
servant as his Lord.” Our tables are frequently spread with luxuries
neither healthful nor necessary, because we love these things more than
we love self-denial, freedom from disease, and soundness of mind.
Jesus sought earnestly for strength from His Father. This the divine Son
of God considered of more value, even for Himself, than to sit at the
most luxurious table. He has given us evidence that prayer is essential
in order to receive strength to contend with the powers of darkness,
and to do the work allotted us. Our own strength is weakness, but that
which God gives is mighty, and will make every one who obtains it
more than conqueror.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:202, 203, 1869
[
Indulged Appetite Unbalances the Mind—237
]
[
Indulged Appetite Blunts the Conscience—72
]
Effect Upon Influence and Usefulness
71. What a pity it is that often, when the greatest self-denial should
be exercised, the stomach is crowded with a mass of unhealthful food,
which lies there to decompose. The affliction of the stomach affects
the brain. The imprudent eater does not realize that he is disqualifying
himself for giving wise counsel, disqualifying himself for laying plans
for the best advancement of the work of God. But this is so. He cannot
discern spiritual things, and in council meetings, when he should say
Yea and Amen, he says Nay. He makes propositions that are wide of
the mark. The food he has eaten has benumbed his brain power.
Self-indulgence debars the human agent from witnessing for the
truth. The gratitude we offer to God for His blessings is greatly affected
by the food placed in the stomach. Indulgence of appetite is the cause
of dissension, strife, discord, and many other evils. Impatient words
are spoken and unkind deeds are done, dishonest practices are followed
and passion is manifested, and all because the nerves of the brain are
diseased by the abuse heaped upon the stomach.—
Manuscript 93,
1901
[54]
72. Some cannot be impressed with the necessity of eating and
drinking to the glory of God. The indulgence of appetite affects
them in all the relations of life. It is seen in their family, in their
church, in the prayer meeting, and in the conduct of their children. It
has been the curse of their lives. You cannot make them understand