Health the Reward of Right Habits, August 10

A Strong Body Temple

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Proverbs 3:1, 2.FLB 228.1

The laws of nature are the laws of God—as truly divine as are the precepts of the Decalogue. The laws that govern our physical organism, God has written upon every nerve, muscle, and fiber of the body. Every careless or willful violation of these laws is a sin against our Creator.^{38Education, 196, 197.}FLB 228.2

There is an intimate relation between the mind and the body, and in order to reach a high standard of moral and intellectual attainment, the laws that control our physical being must be heeded. To secure a strong, well-balanced character, both the mental and the physical powers must be exercised and developed. What study can be more important for the young than that which treats of this wonderful organism that God has committed to us, and of the laws by which it may be preserved in health? ^{39Patriarchs and Prophets, 601.}FLB 228.3

Health may be earned by proper habits of life and may be made to yield interest and compound interest. But this capital, more precious than any bank deposit, may be sacrificed by intemperance in eating and drinking, or by leaving the organs to rust from inaction. Pet indulgences must be given up; laziness must be overcome.^{40Testimonies for the Church 4:408.}FLB 228.4

The health should be as sacredly guarded as the character.^{41Fundamentals of Christian Education, 147.}FLB 228.5

Our bodies are Christ's purchased possession, and we are not at liberty to do with them as we please. All who understand the laws of health should realize their obligation to obey these laws which God has established in their being. Obedience to the laws of health is to be made a matter of personal duty. We ourselves must suffer the results of violated law. We must individually answer to God for our habits and practices. Therefore the question with us is not, “What is the world's practice?” but, “How shall I as an individual treat the habitation that God has given me?” ^{42The Ministry of Healing, 310.}FLB 228.6