Those not yet of our faith are sorely in need of sound health reform principles. There are a number of ways in which the health message may be promoted in connection with our public efforts. First of all, I would say that an evangelist or minister should himself live out those principles. Secondly, I believe the minister should present health principles in his meetings.
Early in my public efforts I begin weaving in the Bible principles of health with the other precepts of the kingdom, just as I do the presentation of the law or the Spirit of prophecy. Thus when I come to the specific presentation of these subjects, I have very little, if any, difficulty in getting the people to accept them. I have emphasized from the very first the fundamental principle, "Ye are not your own. . . . Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
I find it a good plan to build steadily and solidly upon fundamental principles,—here a little, there a little, as they may be fitted into our program,—so that when it comes to the presentation of the subject itself, the people are ready to receive it. We sometimes fail because this wonderful message of health is presented merely as a set of hard and fast rules, prohibitions, and restrictions. The people consequently come to look upon it as a burden rather than as a glorious message of liberty and freedom from the bondage of ill-health.
I believe that Christ, and the love of Christ, is the center of the health message, as well as of every other message we bring the people. The devil doesn't care which extreme we take, so long as we swing to one or the other. Many who become interested in teaching this message of health are inclined to swing to an extreme, beginning to teach their own personal ideas and setting forth advanced light on these things to those as yet prepared only for the simpler principles. For instance, in one territory where I went, the pastor had taught the people there—our own people and non-Adventists as well—that it was a positive sin to eat white bread or white sugar. You can readily understand that anyone who followed that minister would, as he began to present the health message, be stamped as an extremist. Prejudice must first be broken down, and not created at the outset. In our teaching of the health message, may the good Lord save us from becoming faddists and fanatics.
"In teaching health reform, as in all other gospel work, we are to meet the people where they are. Until we can teach them how to prepare health reform foods that are palatable, nourishing, and yet inexpensive, we are not at liberty to present the most advanced propositions regarding health reform diet. Let the diet reform be progressive."—"Testimonies," Vol. VII, p. 135.
"Be careful not to urge those who are ignorant of our faith to make sudden changes in diet, thus bringing men to a premature test. Hold up the principles of health reform, and let the Lord lead the honest in heart. They will hear and believe. Nor does the Lord require His messengers to present the beautiful truths of healthful living in a way that will prejudice minds. Let no one put stumbling blocks before the feet that are walking in the dark paths of ignorance. Even in praising a good thing, it is well not to be too enthusiastic, lest you turn out of the way those who come to hear. Present the principles of temperance in their most attractive form.
"We must not move presumptuously. The laborers who enter new territory to raise up churches must not create difficulties by attempting to make prominent the question of diet. They should be careful not to draw the lines too closely, for impediments would thus be thrown in the pathway of others. Do not drive the people ; lead them."—"Gospel Workers/' p. 233.
Now, in regard to the evangelist's giving the message. I greatly appreciate the specialists that we have among us when it comes to a technical knowledge on this subject. The doctors and nurses far outshine most of us ministers in giving this technical information, and are a wonderful asset when available for an effort. But I maintain that no minister is clear before God who depends entirely upon such help, as a cripple would depend upon a crutch. I believe that every minister in this movement should prepare himself to give the health message and should present at least its great fundamental principles, even when trained medical workers are available. An evangelist is looked upon as a leader, and therefore if he does not emphasize the health message to the people, they will look upon it as a rather secondary matter and consider it of no great importance. We read further in the Spirit of prophecy:
"Every gospel worker should feel that the giving of instruction in the principles of healthful living, is a part of his appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it."—"Ministry of Healing," p. 147.
"True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand. It is impossible to work for the salvation of men and women without presenting to them the need of breaking away from sinful gratifications, which destroy the health, debase the soul, and prevent divine truth from impressing the mind. Men and women must be taught to take a careful view of every habit and every practice, and at once put away those things that cause an unhealthy condition of the body, and thus cast a dark shadow over the mind. God desires His light bearers ever to keep a high standard before them."—"Testimonies," Vol. VII, p. 137.
