That sound health reform has a definite place in the work of the gospel ministry in presenting the third angel's message to the world, is definitely pointed out both in the Bible and in the Spirit of prophecy.
"Every gospel worker should feel that to teach 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."—"Counsels on Health," p. 390.
We have been warned that ultimately conditions in the world will obtain which will necessitate conducting our work in a method vastly different from that heretofore followed. Already in certain countries conditions are such that we may discern something of what is before us. One method is suggested for us in the following quotation:
"I wish to tell you that soon there will be no work done in ministerial lines but medical missionary work. The work of a minister is to minister. Our ministers are to work on the gospel plan of ministering. . . . You will never be ministers after the gospel order till you show a decided interest in medical missionary work, the gospel of healing and blessing and strengthening. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness, that it be not said of you, 'Curse ye Meroz, . . . because they came not to the help of the Lord.' "Id., p. 533.
These are strong words, but they are words from the Lord, pointing out our duty as ministers. There is surely but one safe thing for us to do, and that is to heed the heavenly mandate. The minister who is endeavoring to save souls should therefore recognize that a part of his soulsaving work is that of the saving of the body. This is evidently implied by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:23: "I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul further states in Colossians I :28, "We preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."
As ministers of the gospel ought not we also to make the appeal with the apostle Paul? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, . . . that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom. 12:1. Evidently the apostle is employing words that are familiar to Jews and Jewish converts to Christianity, when he speaks of presenting one's body as a living sacrifice. He has in mind the sacrifice "without blemish" which was required in the Old Testament ceremonies. Such a sacrifice is the only kind God ever accepted, and it follows that those whom we present unto the Lord should likewise be without blemish.
"It is impossible to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God when we continually fill them with corruption and disease by our own sinful indulgence. Knowledge must be gained in regard to how to eat and drink and dress so as to preserve health. Sickness is the result of violating nature's law. Our first duty, one which we owe to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow men, is to obey the laws of God. These include the laws of health."—Id., pp. 24, 25.
This necessitates the best in body and soul,—being clean physically as well as spiritually. Surely we as ministers find a work to do in health lines as well as in spiritual lines. And this thought is likewise implied in Third John, verse two: "I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
"The truth for this time embraces the whole gospel. Rightly presented, it will work in man the very changes that will make evident the power of God's grace upon the heart. It will do a complete work, and develop a complete man. Then let no line be drawn between the genuine medical missionary work and the gospel ministry. Let these two blend in giving the invitation, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' Let them be joined in an inseparable union, even as the arm is joined to the body."—Id., p. 516.
"A demonstration of the principles of health reform will do much toward removing prejudice against our evangelical work. The Great Physician, the originator of medical missionary work, will bless all who thus seek to impart the truth for this time." —Id, p. 497.
"Those who are willing to inform themselves concerning the effect which sinful indulgence has upon the health, and who begin the work of reform, even from selfish motives, may in so doing place themselves where the truth of God can reach their hearts. And, on the other hand, those who have been reached by the presentation of the Scripture truth, are in a position where the conscience may be aroused upon the subject of health. . . . There are many who would receive the truths of God's word, their judgment having been convinced by the clearest evidence ; but the carnal desires, clamoring for gratification, control the intellect, and they reject the truth because it conflicts with their lustful desires. . . .
"Sinful indulgence defiles the body, and unfits men for spiritual worship. He who cherishes the light which God has given him upon health reform, has an important aid in the work of becoming sanctified through the truth, and fitted for immortality. But if he disregards that light, and lives in violation of natural law, he must pay the penalty ; his spiritual powers are benumbed, and how can he perfect holiness in the fear of God ?"—Id., p. 22.
In conclusion, note this counsel given to us on page 566 of the same book:
"Our workers should use their knowledge of the laws of life and health. They should study from cause to effect. Read the best authors on these subjects, and obey religiously that which your reason tells you is truth."
This indicates that although we are given instruction in the Spirit of prophecy regarding principles of health reform, there are also sound principles to be found in books written by other authors. But our duty is plainly stated in that we are individually to "obey religiously that which your reason tells you is truth."
