Teaching Health Principles
Gospel workers should also be able to give instruction in the principles of healthful living. There is sickness everywhere, and most of it might be prevented by attention to the laws of health. The people need to see the bearing that health principles have on their well-being, both for this life and for the life to come. They need to be awakened to their responsibility for the human habitation designed by their Creator to be His dwelling place, and over which He desires them to be faithful stewards. They need to be impressed with the truth conveyed in the inspired words of Paul:MHH 74.6
“You are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them, and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’” 2 Corinthians 6:16.MHH 75.1
Thousands need and would gladly receive instruction concerning simple methods of treating the sick—methods that take the place of poisonous drugs. There is great need of instruction in regard to reform in diet. Wrong habits of eating and the use of unhealthful food are in no small degree responsible for the intemperance, crime, and wretchedness that curse the world.MHH 75.2
In teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object of reform—that its purpose is to secure the highest development of body, mind, and soul. Show that the laws of nature, being the laws of God, are designed for our good. Obedience to them promotes happiness in this life and aids in preparation for the life to come.MHH 75.3
Lead the people to study God’s love and wisdom as revealed in the works of nature. Lead them to study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by which it is governed. Those who perceive the evidences of God’s love, who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of His laws, and the results of obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon obedience to the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it as it really is—an inestimable blessing.MHH 75.4
Gospel workers should feel that giving instruction in the principles of healthful living is a part of their appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it.MHH 75.5
Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for individual effort. Human wisdom tends to consolidation, to centralization, to the building up of great churches and institutions. Multitudes leave to institutions and organizations the work of benevolence; they excuse themselves from contact with the world, and their hearts grow cold. They become self-absorbed and unimpressible. Love for God and humanity dies out of the soul.MHH 75.6
Christ commits to His followers an individual work—a work that cannot be done by proxy. Ministry to the sick and poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not to be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual effort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel.MHH 75.7
““‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,”’” is Christ’s command, ““‘that My house may be filled.”’” He brings men and women into touch with those whom they seek to benefit. “‘Bring to your house the poor who are cast out,’” He says. “‘When you see the naked, that you cover him.’” “‘They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’” Luke 14:23; Isaiah 58:7; Mark 16:18. Through direct contact, through personal ministry, the blessings of the gospel are to be communicated.MHH 75.8
In giving light to His people anciently, God did not work through only one class. Daniel was a prince of Judah. Isaiah also was of the royal line. David was a shepherd, Amos a herdsman. Zechariah was a captive from Babylon, Elisha a farmer. The Lord raised up as His representatives prophets and princes, the noble and the lowly, and taught them the truths to be given to the world.MHH 76.1
To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, “‘Here am I! Send me.’” Isaiah 6:8. Upon the minister of the Word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether merchant or farmer, professional or mechanic—the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to earth’s inhabitants the gospel of salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end.MHH 76.2
Those who take up their appointed work will not only be a blessing to others, they themselves will be blessed. The consciousness of duty well done will have a reflex influence upon their own souls. The despondent will forget their despondency, the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will find an unfailing helper in Him who has called them.MHH 76.3