A tired or tense minister operates under a great handicap. To carry on a rigorous program and to preach effectively Sabbath after Sabbath requires peace of mind and good health. Your body must be able to cope with all the demands and pressures placed upon it.
Rarely, if ever, do we appreciate good health until we lose it. I know. For many years I worked under terrific tension on Wall Street from early dawn until late hours at night, with little time for adequate meals and no time for exercise. Finally a coronary caught up with me. Now that I am permanently disabled there is little comfort knowing that two men had to be hired to replace me and that they do not adequately carry out my former duties.
I have since observed that healthy, relaxed ministers who take sufficient time for proper meals and for exercise, and who sleep eight hours a night, accomplish more and instill greater confidence in those whom they contact than ministers who do not. Those who are tense, nervous, and appear to be always rushed, are the least successful. This is also true in the business world. Without exception, all the executives with whom I have spoken in their office, or while dining with them, exude confidence. They all have a good sense of humor and, at least on the surface, are relaxed and have the gift of putting you at ease in their presence.
Eating Habits
As Adventists we pride ourselves on having the best principles of healthful living. Occasionally we find it necessary to be out of town, and instead of having a balanced meal we gulp down a milk shake or grab a quick snack. I have also been guilty. We may skimp our meals when away from home in order to use the greater portion of our per diem expense account to purchase gifts for the wife and children with a resulting drain on good health. Conversely, others eat to the point of gluttony; they feel that because they paid for a meal they should consume everything in sight, including all the rolls and butter on the table. These excessive calories add unwanted pounds to the girth. Unfortunately, some of our health foods are saturated with salt to make them palatable, and an overdose of sodium-laden foods can lead to early arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease. A good diet should be eaten at regular intervals, with ample time for a relaxed, leisurely meal. Overeating should always be avoided. (See The Ministry of Healing, pp. 306, 307.)
Exercise
No matter how busy you may be, exercise is important for good health. Exercise burns up excess fat tissue and strengthens and tones the muscles. Above all, it relieves tension. Doctors agree that the prime candidate for a heart attack is a sedentary, flabby, middle-aged male. The coronary-prone person is usually ambitious, competitive, overweight, and avoids exercise. Statistics reveal that the greater percentage of ulcer and diabetes sufferers are inactive persons.
Ellen G. White gave good counsel when she said: "Those who are engaged in study should have relaxation. The mind must not be constantly confined to close thought, for the delicate mental machinery becomes worn. The body as well as the mind must have exercise.--Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 652.
If you eat properly, exercise, get sufficient rest, and have a good sense of humor, you are bound to have a longer and more fruitful ministry. If you doubt me, ask your doctor. He will bear me out. I learned the hard way.
