A practical, understandable discussion of any subject on health usually draws an interested audience. The public is health-minded, and within each breast is more or less of an inborn desire to be well and vigorous, to be without distress, and to cling to life. In this brief discussion of how to present the principles of healthful living, we can hope to present only a few of the fundamentals.
First of all, we must recognize that health education is not health propaganda or merely a matter of physical culture. The broader and more sacred scope of this work has been set before us very clearly in the Spirit of prophecy. We are impressed by the frequent reference made to the relationship of health principles to "physical, mental, and moral health." Furthermore, the Bible gives important reasons why the care of the body and the maintenance of well-being are matters of vital consequence.
"What ? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own ? For ye are bought with a price : therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6: 19, 20.
How can health principles be presented so as to convey their true value, and to inspire interest and confidence in them? First, perhaps we should keep in view the great object of health reform.
"In teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object of reform,—that its purpose is to secure the highest development of body and mind and soul. Show that the laws of nature, being the laws of God, are designed for our good ; that obedience to them promotes happiness in this life. and aids in the preparation for the life to come."—'Ministry of Healing,' p. 146.
Secondly, we are to be tactful, courteous, and charitable in our approach.
"It is of little use to try to reform others by attacking what we may regard as wrong habits. Such effort often results in more harm than good. In His talk with the Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging Jacob's well, Christ presented something better. 'If thou knewest the gift of God,' He said, 'and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink ; thou wouldst have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.' He turned the conversation to the treasure He had to bestow, offering the woman something better than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the gospel. This is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. We must offer men something better than that which they possess, even the peace of Christ, which passeth all understanding."—Id., pp. 156, 157.
Extreme views and an uncharitable spirit are to be avoided.
"Those who are advocating a reform in diet should, by, the provision they make for their own table, present the advantages of hygiene in the best light. They should so exemplify its principles as to commend it to the judgment of candid minds."—"Counsels on Health," p. 153.
"Those who have but a partial understanding of the principles of reform are often the most rigid, not only in carrying out their views themselves, but in urging them on their families and their neighbors. The effect of their mistaken reforms, as seen in their own ill-health, and their efforts to force their views upon others, give many a false idea of dietetic, reform, and lead them to reject it altogether.
"Those who understand the laws of health, and who are governed by principle, will shun the extremes, both of indulgence and of restriction. Their diet is chosen, not for the mere gratification of appetite, but for the upbuilding of the body. They seek to preserve every power in the best condition for highest service to God and man. The appetite is under the control of reason and conscience, and they are rewarded with health of body and mind. While they do not urge their views offensively upon others, their example is a testimony in favor of right principles. These persons have a wide influence for good."—"Ministry of Healing," pp. 318, 319.
These are fundamental principles pertaining to our health message and its presentation. Those who are qualified through broad study, who understand in a comprehensive, balanced way the program of health education, and who feel a burden for this work will be doing a most important service as they teach our people both by precept and example. Let us not overlook the need in following the example of our Saviour in coming close to the people, actuated by a sincere personal interest in their welfare—physical and spiritual.
H. M. W.
