And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they
do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV
“Temperance means to have moderation or self restraint. The dictionary defines the strong word, abstemiousness, as being moderate or sparing on eating and drinking. To the precise, the definition requires avoiding extremes and being moderate in the things which are good and avoiding or totally abstaining from those things which are harmful, ie. self-control.”
“In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary, — temperance in labor, temperance in eating and drinking.”1
“The wonderful mechanism of the human body does not receive half the care that is often given to a mere lifeless machine.”2
“The living organism is God’s property. It belongs to Him by Creation and by redemption; and by a misuse of any of our powers we rob God of the honor due Him.”3
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”4
“One reason why we do not enjoy more of the blessing of the Lord is, we do not heed the light which he has been pleased to give us in regard to the laws of life and health.”5
“If you purpose a wrong course, and indulge in wrong habits of eating, and thereby weaken the intellectual powers, you will not place that high estimate upon salvation and eternal life which will inspire you to conform your life to the life of Christ; you will not make those earnest, self-sacrificing efforts for entire conformity to the will of God which His Word requires, and which are necessary to give you moral fitness for the finishing touch of immortality.”6
Here is a list of items to avoid that maybe we have not thought of:
- toxic drugs
- heavily sugared foods
- greasy foods
- hydrogenated fats
- aluminum
- white flour
- baking powder
- white and black pepper or other harmful spices
- chlorinated or fluoridated water
- chocolate and foods containing caffeine
- food preservatives and pesticide residues
- soda, tea, and energy drinks
- GMO foods
- fish and other flesh meats (blood & fat forbidden)
- fleshy lusts which war against the soul
- over work
- angry words or actions
- over indulgence of the baser passions in marriage
- overeating, gluttony
- self-abuse
- smoking cigarettes, weed, etc...other drugs (including prescription)
- alcohol in its many forms and fermented foods
- intemperance in dress- leaving the limbs exposed, etc…
- habitually keeping late hours at night
“Intemperance of any kind is a violation of the laws of our being.”7
“The importance of the health of the body is to be taught as a Bible requirement.”8
“They disregard the principles of health by their habits of eating, drinking, dressings and working.”9
A Pledge To Temperance
“If a temperance pledge providing for the abstinence from flesh foods, tea and coffee, and some other foods, that are known to be injurious, were circulated through our ranks, a great and good work would be accomplished. I ask you at this time, will you not circulate such a pledge?… I am instructed to say to parents, place yourselves, soul and spirit on the Lord’s side of this question… I am sure that if you will begin in Washington to do his work of reform, in school, in the printing office and among all the workers, the Lord will help you to present a pledge that will help the people to return from their backslidings on the question of health reform. As you seek to carry out the will of the Lord in this particular, He will give you clear understanding of what the health reform will do for you…” Testimony Series B, No. 6, P. 31 (God gave Light on Health Reform and Those Who Rejected It, Rejected God)
The Pledge
I solemnly promise, before God, to abstain from tobacco, spirituous liquors, snuff, tea, coffee, flesh-meats, butter, spices, rich cake, mince pies, a large amount of salt, and animal fats of all kinds, baking powder, soda or saleratus in and form, and cheese, and from all exciting articles of food, and to abstain from eating between meals, and to do all I can to induce others to do likewise.
—Testimony and pledge sent to the General Conference March 29, 1908
“This testimony on health reform was sent directly to Elder Daniels, but it was withheld and not circulated because he said it would, “split the church.” He evidently did not know that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against” God’s true church… Later on when Elder Daniels wanted to see Sister White, she refused to see him saying, “I have nothing more for him.” I understand this testimony was the last one in the way of reproof. Taken from Testimonies Ignored, Slighted and Suppressed
Shorter’s Health Manual, Gwen Shorter, p. 135, Homeward Publishing Ministries, 4th Edition, 2017
1. How to Live, p. 57 E.G. White
2. Gospel Workers, p. 175, E.G. White
3. Counsels on Diet & Foods, p. 16, E.G. White
4. 1 Corinthians 9:25
5. Review and Herald, (1883) No. 19, E.G. White
6. T. vol. 2, p.66, E.G. White
7. Review & Herald, Sept. 8,1874
8. Unpublished Testimonies, Aug. 30, 1896
9. MH, p.94 (ASI Ed.), E.G. White