God's Dietary Program

Is God really particular about what we eat and drink?

M. DOROTHEA VAN GUNDY, Nutritionist, International Research Foundation

When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He said to them, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat" (Gen. 1:29). He therefore outlined what foods man should eat. These were created on the third day of Crea­tion week and were planned in such a way as to provide all the essential elements necessary for proper growth and maintenance of the body. The record in Genesis says that after sin en­tered, the green herbs of the field were added to the original diet list. See Genesis 3:18.

It is interesting to note throughout the Bible that whenever God had a special work for some­one to do He often gave specific instruction as to the dietary program. The experience of Dan­iel is interesting. He followed God's nutrition program and it served him well. He made a rec­ord never reached by any other statesman as far as we know. He was the prime minister of two world kingdoms—one succeeding the other. Usually the conquering nation takes as prison­ers or executes the officers of the defeated na­tion, but not so with Daniel. He was too valu­able. One spiritual writer says: "The life of Daniel is an inspired illustration of what con­stitutes a sanctified character. . . . A strict com­pliance with the requirements of God is benefi­cial to the health of body and mind. In order to reach the highest standard of moral and in­tellectual attainments, it is necessary to seek wis­dom and strength from God, and to observe strict temperance in all the habits of life. In the experience of Daniel and his companions we have an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation to indulge the appetite. It shows us that through religious principle young men may triumph over the lusts of the flesh, and remain true to God's requirements, even though it cost them a great sacrifice."—ELLEN G. WHITE, The Sanctified Life, pp. 18, 19.

To John the Baptist also God gave a specific work, and he was given instruction as to his mode of living. Following God's instruction, he chose a plain and simple diet.

All through the history of the world Satan has been promoting substitutes for God's plan of living, and he has a counterfeit food program as well. We read in 1 Corinthians 10:21 (last part), "Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." We may change the context and imagine two dietary programs, one of which provides maximum health and the other lowered vitality. Only by following God's program can we enjoy good health.

God's Program

  1. Natural foods
  2. Nonstimulating
  3. Vegetarian
  4. Regular (Good breakfast light supper)
  5. Simple food, free from grease and spices
  6. Controlled appetite, Temperance

The Popular Program

  1. Refined foods
  2. Stimulating
  3. Nonvegetarian
  4. Irregular (No breakfast, heavy meal at night)
  5. Rich, heavy, fatty foods
  6. Gluttony

Let us look briefly at the various items in these lists. God put everything necessary in the food for man's health. I cannot believe there are any nonessentials there. The refining proc­esses of food remove much of the essential vita­mins and minerals, and when a person lives largely on refined foods, it isn't long until de­ficiences begin to show up. These often affect the nerves and the mental outlook on life. It is almost impossible to live to a great extent on a refined diet and not find it necessary to use stimulants in the form of tea, coffee, and Cokes. These seem to be necessary for that extra lift to keep a person abreast of the accelerated speed of modern living. These stimulants bor­row from our future reserves for present use and leave no provision for paying back.

God would have us use foods containing the essential vitamins and minerals that He put in food. With the right kind of nourishment and proper rest it will not be necessary to take stim­ulants to keep going.

Vegetarianism has already been discussed in the August issue of the MINISTRY magazine. So we will mention it only briefly here. It was God's original plan that man should subsist on fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables, and this plan of eating will be established again when Eden is restored to this earth.

After the Flood, Noah was given permission to eat meat, but with this restriction: no blood was to be used. The blood represents the life of the animal. Other places in the Old Testa­ment forbid the use of animal fat.

Modern research is giving us the relation between the use of fat (particularly animal fat) and degenerative heart disease. The facts are decidedly conclusive. The restriction of fat and blood was given to the Jews as a health measure. If this practice would keep the Jews healthy, there certainly isn't any reason why it wouldn't keep anyone else healthy who would follow the plan.

Regularity is important to health. Let us no­tice another scripture; "Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness" (Ecd. 10:17). Eating "in due season" could mean eating at regular times. Laboratory experiments show that having a regular time for eating is a much better plan than eating hit and miss meals. Modern re­search reveals there should be a good breakfast to begin the day. The evening meal should be light and easily digested, with nothing just be­fore going to bed.

Now many people in this country are not fol­lowing God's program. They eat no breakfast, or have just a cup of coffee and light up a ciga­rette to get them going. They snack off and on all day and then finish up with a big meal in the evening with a few TV snacks thrown in be­fore bedtime for good measure.

Temperance is one of the oustanding qual­ities of a true Christian. This grace is extolled and recommended all through the Bible; on the other hand gluttony is condemned. Proverbs 23:1, 2 gives an unusual recommendation, which if followed would probably take care of all excesses in eating. "When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite." This seems to be good advice—no matter with whom we are eating.

Is God really particular about what we eat and drink? Paul says: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). This scripture is very plain, and he continues, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man de­file the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (1 Cor. 3:16, 17). It is impossible not to defile our body temple if we eat wrongly.

But what is the purpose of all this instruction on temperance and healthful eating? We will quote three scriptures to answer this question.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 2). Health is God's wish for everyone.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1).

"If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and will give ear to His com­mandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee" (Ex. 15:26).

This is a wonderful promise. Let us never for­get it is the Lord that heals us, we cannot do this ourselves, but God does give us a part to play, and that is choosing to "do that which is right in his sight." In other words, if we follow God's plan in living and eating, He has pledged Himself to take care of our health.

God has established laws for the care of our wonderful body temples. These are written upon every fiber and nerve of our being, and when we find and follow God's program we will have the necessary health and will be able to present our bodies a perfect living sacrifice, which is the only kind that is acceptable to God.

Why don't we do as Daniel did and give God's dietary program a trial? A few weeks spent carefully following this program should bring about a threefold improvement in our health—physical, mental, and spiritual.

M. DOROTHEA VAN GUNDY, Nutritionist, International Research Foundation

November 1959

Download PDF
Ministry Cover

More Articles In This Issue

With Our Editor in Northern Europe

A report of the Seminary Extension schools held in Northern Europe.

Can You Raise Funds?

How to raise funds for building and budget pro­grams is a question that has plagued our ministry through the years and has become one of the greatest problems fac­ing the churches today.

The College Ministerial Curriculum Its Structure and Contents

The author of this article presents his personal views in a way that will provoke thought in all of us as we see the development of graduate ministerial training within the framework of our denominational system of education.—EDITORS

"I Consulted With Myself"

There is a place in the minister's experi­ence for consultation with God

Tact

How important is tact in the work of the ministry?

The Better Life Picture Roll

A new way to keep abreast of all new developments in soul winning.

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving Program for Shepherdess Gatherings

Two Seminary Extension Schools in the Northern European Division

During the months of June, July, and August, two Seminary Extension Schools were held, one in England at Newbold Missionary College, from June 1 to July 15, and the other in Norway at Tyrifjord Hoyere Skole, (Norwegian Junior Col­lege) from July 20 to August 27.

Alcoholism and the Seventh-day Adventist Church (Concluded)

A look at the characteristics and different kind of alcoholics.

Why I Cannot Retire

In the deepest sense the minister cannot retire. He must continue to give his message in word and deed, or lose his own soul.

View All Issue Contents

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up
Advertisement - SermonView - Medium Rect (300x250)

Recent issues

See All
Advertisement - SermonView - WideSkyscraper (160x600)