How To Really Live!

How to Really Live! Eight Principles to Optimum Health

by

Vernon Sparks, M.D.

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE!

© 2009 Vernon Sparks M.D.

Published by

DIGITAL INSPIRATION 1481 Reagan Valley Road Tellico Plains, TN 37385 www.vsdigitalinspiration.com

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CONTENTS

PURE AIR ............................................ 5 SUNLIGHT .......................................... 11 ABSTEMIOUSNESS ............................... 18 REST .................................................. 26 EXERCISE ........................................... 32 PROPER

DIET

..................................... 38

W ATER .............................................. 48 TRUST IN DIVINE POWER .................. 55

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE!

5 I.

PURE AIR

T

HE NEEDS of our body consist of the sum of the needs of each of the trillions of cells which make up our body. The basic needs of these cells are nutrients, water, oxygen, and the elimination of waste products. Of these necessities, oxygen is the most critical. We can go weeks without eating, and days without drinking, but our tissues can store only minute amounts of oxygen and thus our cells must have a continuous supply of fresh oxygen from outside of our bodies. Each cell must have oxygen in order to burn food to obtain energy and heat. Without oxygen, for only a few minutes, the cells die. For this reason, a good supply of oxygen is very important for our health. Respiration refers to all activities of our bodies related to oxygen, from obtaining it from outside of our bodies until it is utilized by each cell. Respiration also includes the removal of carbon dioxide gas, a waste product of the cells. Good breathing begins with the air around us. The air normally contains 20%, or 1/5 part of oxygen. It also contains small amounts of carbon dioxide, the waste product expelled by the breathing of all animals, as well as man. There is a very important relationship between the animal kingdom and the vegetable kingdom. The plants produce and liberate oxygen into the air, where it is inhaled by animals and man for the sustenance of their lives. In return, man and animals produce and exhale carbon dioxide which is then absorbed by the plants for their sustenance. That which is waste to one is food to the other. Man needs the plants for oxygen and the plants need man and animals for carbon dioxide. The air circulates around the earth approximately forty times each year. While it passes around the earth, it is contaminated by many substances that are toxic to our cells. As it passes over the centers of population and industry, literally millions of tons of smoke, dust, and a wide variety of chemicals are added to it each year. The air, in many areas, is so polluted that it irritates the eyes, the nose, and the lungs, causing a great increase in respiratory diseases. “The very atmosphere of the cities is polluted. . . . “From the standpoint of health the smoke and dust of the cities are 5

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very objectionable.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 81-82. Persons with previous respiratory or heart disease are especially susceptible to the problems of air pollution. Severe air pollution can result in their premature death. Children are also affected greatly by impure air. One study showed that children with parents who smoke suffer twice as many respiratory problems as do the children of nonsmoking parents. It is also known that those with respiratory problems when young have a greater incidence of respiratory diseases when older. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas produced by burning fuel without adequate air. Tobacco smoke and the exhaust from motor vehicles are probably the most common sources. The carbon monoxide unites with our red blood cells and prevents them from carrying normal amounts of oxygen. It can affect our judgment, and in high doses it can result in death. Smokers have increased amounts of it in their blood and so do the nonsmokers who breathe their polluted air. Those who live next to busy streets, or who walk, jog, drive, or ride a bicycle in heavy traffic, also get increased amounts of carbon monoxide. Persons with anemia, heart disease, or respiratory illnesses are especially affected by it. Lead poisoning can also be a problem for those who are exposed to large amounts of exhaust from motor vehicles burning leaded fuel. Modern man pollutes his air with many chemicals, the results of which may take years to discover. Harmful effects appear in unexpected ways. It is even being found that a chemical used in indoor air fresheners is a potent cancer-causing agent in animals. Aerosol hair sprays cause a temporary constriction of the airways of even healthy individuals. In some, the effect is so marked that they suffer chest tightness and other respiratory distress. Fortunately, not only man’s respiratory system, but also the rain and the plants of the earth serve as air conditioners for the air we breathe. The rain helps to wash out the impurities of the air, and when the air leaves the cities and passes over the farms and forests, the plants remove the excess carbon dioxide and replenish the oxygen. The farther we live from cities, factories and busy streets, the better quality of air we will generally breathe, and certainly it will be better for our health. Pure fresh air is one of God’s natural remedies. It is not sufficient, however, that our homes are where there is pure fresh air. We must permit this fresh air to enter our homes and buildings. The outside air must have entrance to our homes both day and night.

PURE AIR

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“In the construction of buildings, whether for public purposes or as dwellings, care should be taken to provide for good ventilation and plenty of sunlight. Churches and schoolrooms are often faulty in this respect. Neglect of proper ventilation is responsible for much of the drowsiness and dullness that destroy the effect of many a sermon and make the teacher’s work toilsome and ineffective. . . . “In the building of houses it is especially important to secure thorough ventilation and plenty of sunlight. Let there be a current of air and an abundance of light in every room in the house. Sleeping rooms should be so arranged as to have a free circulation of air day and night. No room is fit to be occupied as a sleeping-room unless it can be thrown open daily to the air and sunshine.” The Ministry of Healing, 274-275 If we use an air conditioner, and especially if it is primarily recirculating the internal air, it is necessary for good health to frequently air out the building. It is best to eliminate the disagreeable odors from our surroundings, not with a deodorant, but by replacing the contaminated air with fresh air. We are counseled to clean up the waste and decaying vegetation from around our homes. This will help to provide us with better air to breathe. “Shade trees and shrubbery too close and dense around a house are unhealthy; for they prevent a free circulation of air, and prevent the rays of the sun from shining sufficiently through. . . . Numerous shade trees cast off many leaves, which, if not immediately removed, decay, and poison the atmosphere. A yard beautified with scattering trees, and some shrubbery, at a proper distance from the house, has a happy, cheerful influence upon the family, and, if well taken care of, will prove no injury to health.” Selected Messages, book 2, 463-464 Breathing refers to the act of increasing the size of the thoracic cavity so that the air with oxygen will be sucked into the lungs. It also applies to the action of decreasing the size of the thoracic cavity which results in an exhalation of old air, which carries the waste product carbon dioxide. In order that our cells can have good respiration, we must have good habits of breathing. We nearly always breathe without thinking. So much so, that we tend to believe that breathing is automatic just as is our heartbeat. It is true that our breathing is sufficiently automatic to prevent us from dying from lack of air, but good breathing requires a conscious development of good habits of breathing. Many of us have the custom of hunching over, permitting our shoul-

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ders to fall forward while we are sitting or standing. When we do this, we prevent the full expansion of the chest, thus, causing pressure upon the lungs and preventing their most healthful function. Bad posture is a habit, and a bad one. Good posture can also be a habit and a great help toward good health. We should sit and stand erect. This permits a fuller use of the lungs. Another factor in good breathing is the appropriate use of the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles. Many of us, due to habit, tend to breathe superficially, only with the upper chest. This, the most common way to breathe, is also the most deficient. The best form of breathing is to introduce air by means of increasing the size of the thoracic cavity by the contraction of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscular wall which separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. The muscular wall forms a dome-like protuberance into the thoracic cavity. When it contracts, it moves down toward the abdomen, thus, expanding the lungs and introducing fresh air. Each time the diaphragm contracts toward the abdominal cavity, the digestive organs must be able to move out of its way. For this to be possible, the abdominal wall must be able to expand outward. The style of clothing, many times, hinders correct breathing. Clothing which tends to constrict the waist interferes with the up-and-down movement of the diaphragm. We are so accustomed to our clothes being tight around our waists that we have formed the bad habit of breathing almost entirely with our upper chest instead of using our diaphragm and abdomen. The Lord has given us good counsel. “The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so common, especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one’s work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand. A similar effect is produced by tight lacing. Sufficient room is not given to the lower part of the chest; the abdominal muscles, which were designed to aid in breathing, do not have full play, and the lungs are restricted in their action. “Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the heart is depressed;

PURE AIR

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the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused; gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.” The Ministry of Healing, 272-273 “Every article of dress should fit easily, obstructing neither the circulation of the blood nor a free, full, natural respiration. Everything worn should be so loose that when the arms are raised the clothing will be correspondingly lifted.” The Ministry of Healing, 293 Many of us breathe from 12-18 superficial breaths per minute, when with proper exercise and effort, we can learn to spontaneously take only 8-10 deeper diaphragmatic breaths per minute. Mr. William Knowles of England developed the efficiency of his breathing to such an extent that he normally breathed only 4 times per minute. Professional singers and public speakers must learn to breathe properly. They learn to breathe in with a downward movement of the diaphragm and an outward movement of the abdominal wall. They learn to exhale, by means of a contraction inward of the abdominal muscles, thus squeezing the diaphragm upward into the thoracic cavity and expelling the air from the lungs. Breathing properly of fresh pure air will decrease the incidence of chest colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Deep breathing will not only help to prevent these diseases, but will also help to improve the health of those suffering from them. The correct use of the respiratory organs will help improve speaking and singing. Correct breathing will provide a better quantity of oxygen and a better elimination of carbon dioxide from the cells. Each of our organs will function better. We will have better digestion, our minds will be clearer and more active. We will have less fatigue and will rest better. Our whole state of physical and spiritual health will improve by means of correct breathing of God’s pure air. We will be a better witness to those about us of how to give glory and honor to our Creator. “Air is the free blessing of Heaven, calculated to electrify the whole system. Without it the system will be filled with disease and become dormant, languid, feeble. “Air, air, the precious boon of heaven which all may have, will bless you with its invigorating influence if you will not refuse it entrance. Welcome it, cultivate a love for it, and it will prove a precious soother of the nerves. . . . The influence of pure, fresh air is to cause the blood to circulate healthfully through the system. It refreshes the body and tends to render it strong and healthy, while at the same time its influence is decidedly felt upon the mind, imparting a degree of composure and se-

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE!

renity. It excites the appetite, and renders the digestion of food more perfect, and induces sound and sweet sleep.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 701702 “In order to have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving current, to every part of the body. A good respiration soothes the nerves; it stimulates the appetite, and renders digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep.” The Ministry of Healing, 272

11 II.

SUNLIGHT

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HE SUN is one of the most important objects in our natural world. It gives light and heat to the earth during the day, and reflected from the moon, its light provides us company during the night. Without the sun, this earth would always be darker than midnight and much colder than any naturally cold place here on earth. The earth would be completely without life. With a certain amount of reason, many primitive people through the centuries, have worshiped the sun as the god of the universe. Although the sun is not the god of the universe, it was created by God for our benefit. It is a marvelous creation. The sun is the time-clock of this world. Each setting of the sun marks the beginning of a new day, and seven settings of the sun mark one week. One revolution of the earth around the sun measures one year. The earth’s relation to the sun also determines our four seasons. Sunlight, by acting upon the leaves of the plants and upon the algae of the earth’s bodies of water, produces the oxygen so essential to our lives. It is also believed that oxygen is produced by sunlight acting on water vapor in the earth’s upper atmosphere. Sunlight is the indirect producer of the primary energy sources on this earth. It acts to vaporize water, forming the clouds which give rain and snow to fill the streams that drive our hydroelectric plants. Uneven heating of the earth’s air creates winds that propel our sails and windmills. Its action upon the trees has produced wood for burning, and the buried plant and animal life of ages past give us our coal, oil and gas. The sun has a marked effect upon plant life. Some of us have seen grass or a plant grow underneath a board, or perhaps on the dirt floor of some dark, abandoned building. The plant is very pale and weak. If after some time it does not receive light, it will eventually die. All plants need sunlight in order to sustain life. The leaves of plants are normally green due to the presence of a substance called chlorophyl, which is produced by the action of the sunlight. The starch which we find stored in the roots of some plants such as potatoes and yams is first produced in the leaves of these plants, due to the action of the sun. In the same way the vitamins, flavors, sugars and other nutrients which form in the grains 11

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and fruits are first produced in the leaves of plants, due to the action of the sunlight. Thus, animals and mankind are dependent upon adequate sunlight for the production of their foods. The amount of sunlight received affects the nutritional value of the food. The internal pale leaves of cabbage and lettuce do not have as much flavor, as many vitamins or minerals, and therefore are not as high in nutrition as the outer darker leaves which have been exposed to sunlight. For the same reason, celery exposed to the sunlight is green in color and is more nutritious than celery grown in the shade. “The pale and sickly grain-blade that has struggled up out of the cold of early spring puts out the natural and healthy deep green after enjoying for a few days the health-and-life-giving rays of the sun. Go out into the light and warmth of the glorious sun, . . . and share with vegetation its life-giving, healing power.” My Life Today, 138 The sun is one and one-third million times larger than the earth and located 93 million miles away. It is a ball of hydrogen gas where at its core, under extreme heat and pressure, four atoms of hydrogen are believed to be fused into one atom of helium releasing vast quantities of electromagnetic energy. Only about one two-billionths of the produced energy strikes this earth. It arrives after about 8 minutes travel time in various wave lengths. It is estimated that only about 1% of the sun’s radiated energy is visible to our eyes and is referred to as sunlight. Some of the invisible waves of lower frequency are called infrared and they are what we feel as heat. Some of the invisible waves of higher frequency are referred to as ultraviolet. This is the most biologically active portion of the suns radiation, but it is the most easily blocked by clothing and glass. Sunlight has another very important effect upon our surroundings. In 1877 it was first proved that sunlight kills germs. For some years physicians making house calls had noted considerably more cases of infectious disease on the shady side of a street than on the sunny side. From then, until there was a wide availability of antibiotics, sunlight was used with great benefit in the treatment of infections. Thus we can understand the following counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy. “Every form of uncleanliness tends to disease. Death- producing germs abound in dark, neglected corners, in decaying refuse, in dampness and mold and must. . . . Perfect cleanliness, plenty of sunlight, careful attention to sanitation in every detail of the home life, are essential to freedom from disease and to the cheerfulness and vigor of the inmates

SUNLIGHT

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of the home.” The Ministry of Healing, 276. “Shade trees and shrubbery too close and dense around a house are unhealthful; for they prevent a free circulation of air, and shut out the rays of the sun. In consequence of this, dampness gathers in the house. Especially in wet seasons the sleeping rooms become damp, and those who occupy them are troubled with rheumatism, neuralgia, and lung compaints which generally end in consumption.” Counsels on Health, 58 It is interesting to note that the Spirit of Prophecy frequently associates the benefits from sunlight within a room with good ventilation of pure air through open windows and/or doors. This statement is supported by the fact that the ultraviolet rays of sunlight, which are the primary rays that kill germs and affect our biologic functions, are largely blocked by glass and thus enter in primarily when there is good ventilation. “If the windows were freed from blinds and heavy curtains, and the air and sun permitted to enter freely the darkened rooms, there would be seen a change for the better in the mental and physical health of the children. The pure air would have an invigorating influence upon them, and the sun that carries healing in its beams would soothe and cheer, and make them happy, joyous, and healthy.” Healthful Living, 229. Sunlight affects our bodies directly by acting upon our skin and upon our eyes. Sunlight enables us to see our surroundings but it also works through our eyes to help set our internal biologic clock. Over one hundred bodily functions operate on a rhythmic cycle regulated greatly by the light and dark periods of day and night. For example, our body temperature is lowest about 3 a.m. and highest about 3 p.m. This internal clock is referred to as the circadian rhythms. Our bodies function at their maximum efficiency and are better able to resist disease when we are active during daylight and rest during the dark. Less than ideal health is more a result of ignoring this principle of nature than we usually realize. Jet-lag is perhaps the best-known problem related to poor regulation of our circadian rhythms. It is well recognized that as we pass several times zones in a few hours many persons notice symptoms of inability to sleep, digestion troubles, slowed nervous functions, tiredness and increased irirritability. It can take from 2 to 14 days for our bodily functions to get totally back to normal. The problem is worse if we travel from west to east rather than east to west. Recovery is hastened if there is good exposure to sunlight, especially in the mornings.

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Night workers tend also to suffer from misfunction of their circadian rhythms. It is known that there are more accidents and errors at work around 3 a.m. There tends to be an increase of sleep problems, digestive difficulties, nervous problems and even heart disease. Usually the regular night worker is affected the least and the worker who rotates shifts the most, especially if the worker rotates from night shift to evening shift to day shift, rather than the reverse. A more common problem is the less than ideal body function related to turning night into day and day into night. “Some . . . are much opposed to order and discipline. . . . They lie in bed some hours after daylight, when everyone should be astir. They burn the midnight oil, depending upon artificial light to supply the place of the light that nature has provided at seasonable hours. . . . Thus they are sleeping soundly when they should be awake with nature and the early-rising birds. The precious habits of order are broken; and the moments thus idled away in the early morning set things out of course for the whole day. “Our God is a God of order, and He desires that His children shall will to bring themselves into order, and under His discipline. Would it not be better, therefore, to break up this habit of turning night into day, and the fresh hours of the morning into night?” Evangelism, 651. “Unhealthful habits of every order—late hours at night, late hours in bed in the morning, . . . are to be overcome.” Sons and Daughters of God, 171 There is a problem related to inadequate sunlight referred to as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which manifests itself in the fall and winter when the days are shorter and there is less time to get good exposure to sunlight. It is characterized by depression, sadness, anxiousness, irritability, appetite and weight problems, sleep difficulties, and an increase in work and interpersonal problems. It tends to be prevented by, and also respond to, treatment with good midday exposure to sunlight. It improves even if it is cloudy, but it will take longer. The skin of our body is the largest organ which we have. It is also more important for our health than we many times believe. It is very complex and marvelously made. Each person has nearly 19,000 square cm of skin surface. Each centimeter of skin has 3 million cells, 10 hairs, 100 sweat glands, one meter of blood vessels, four meters of nerves and thousands of special cells and sensory apparatuses to detect cold, heat, pressure and pain. Cholesterol and fatty acids are normal constituents of our skin.

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They help to waterproof our skin, and also, under the effect of sunlight, some of the cholesterol is transformed into vitamin D which is so essential to our health. Just a few minutes of sunlight each day on our normally exposed skin provides all of the vitamin D that we need. Skin which has a good suntan has three times more power to kill germs than does skin without a suntan. This is an excellent reason to spend as much time as possible in the sun. “I must be a learner always as to how to take care of this building, the body God has given me, that I may preserve it in the very best condition of health. . . . I must get all the sunlight that it is possible for me to obtain.” Medical Ministry, 230 This quotation introduces the subject of how much sunlight is beneficial? There is the controversial matter of skin cancer which the majority of scientists attribute to excess sunlight. Scientists say that sunlight can change fatty acids and cholesterol in the skin into free radicals which prematurely age the skin and lead to cancerous changes in the skin. This is the reason there is a great deal of advice nowadays to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. These apparent effects of sunlight seem to be more marked, the higher the fat content of the diet and to become worse with unsaturated, liquid fats in the diet. It also seems to be worse with the conconsumption of partially hydrogenated oils. There is other scientific information which helps us to better understand this problem of sunlight and skin cancer. It seems that the vitamins A, C and E, and the mineral selenium, tend to block the formation of the free radicals from fatty acids and cholesterol. If these vitamins and this mineral are low in our diet, it is believed that more free radicals are formed in our skin and that the risk of skin cancer is increased. There are very likely other yet undetermined factors in the causation of skin cancer. Undoubtedly, if one follows all of the principles of Healthful Living, including a low fat, vegetarian diet, high in natural foods, one’s risk of getting skin cancer is greatly diminished. It is also important to prevent sunburning to help decrease skin cancer. If we have not been getting regular sunlight we need to gradually increase our exposure until our skin is well tanned. Some persons’ skin is very light and will not tan. They may always need to limit their exposure so that there is minimal or no redness the next day (perhaps a maximun of 20-30 minutes sunlight daily). If they have to be outdoors more than this length of time, then they should wear long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat. A tanned person should be able to benefit from an

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE!

hour or more daily in the sunlight. It is best to avoid suntanning creams, lotions or blockers. The refined oils in most of these are also transformed into free radicals by the sunlight. Expose your skin to what it can tolerate without burning and then keep it covered. The invisible ultraviolet rays, which are the most biologically active rays in sunlight, are blocked by the upper atmosphere in the early mornorning and late evening. In summer they are active from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in the winter from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. One must keep this in mind, and also the fact that the higher the elevation where one is, the stronger the rays are. Also, the clouds only block about 20% of the ultraviolet rays and burning can still occur on a cloudy day. Sunlight has other beneficial effects upon our bodies. Mrs. White tells us that exposure to the sun is good for our digestion. “They who work in the open air will feel less injury from the use of fleshmeats than those of sedentary habits, for sun and air are great helps to digestion, and do much to counteract the effect of wrong habits of eating and drinking.” T 159. This statement is supported by science. Sunlight also increases the number of red and white blood cells. The red cells carry oxygen to all the body and the white cells help to combat infection and increase our immunity. It has been shown that sunlight decreases the incidence of internal cancers. Sunlight lowers blood cholesterol. If our blood sugar is too high exposure to the sun helps to lower it. It also increases the strength of our heart, permitting our heart to beat slower. It increases our muscular strength and endurance. It improves our tolerance to stress. It helps to regulate and control the hormones of our body. Truly, sunlight is a benefit to every aspect of our health. God considers it one of His physicians. Certainly we can all benefit from regular exposure to sunlight. It would be well if we could spend as much as an hour daily in the open air and if possible combine the sun exposure with suitable exercise. If we are sick, then certainly we need to have regular, controlled sunbathing. In the construction of our homes, our offices, schools and hospitals, it is best to design them in such a way that the sun can enter into each room, not just through window glass, but through open windows. “In the construction of buildings, whether for public purposes or as dwellings, care should be taken to provide for good ventilation and plenty of sunlight. . . . In the building of houses it is especially important to secure thorough ventilation and plenty of sunlight. Let there be a current

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of air and an abundance of light in every room in the house. Sleepingrooms should be so arranged as to have a free circulation of air day and night. No room is fit to be occupied as a sleeping-room unless it can be thrown open daily to the air and sunshine. . . . “ The Ministry of Healing, 274-275 “No room in the house should be considered furnished and adorned without the cheering, enlivening light and sunshine, which are Heaven’s own free gift to man. . . . When God had made our world, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, He said, Let there be light, and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good. Shall we close our houses, and exclude from them the light which God has pronounced good?” My Life Today, 138 Even though sunlight may bleach the color of curtains, rugs, and furniture, it is still preferable to keep the curtains open in order to allow the sun to enter and to purify the rooms. We also need to take care that the trees and plants close to the building do not provide too much shade so as to prevent the sun from shining in. Bedrooms and especially the rooms of those who are ill need the daily entrance of sunlight. Rather than neatly making our beds early each morning, it would be much more healthy if we would remove the bed linens and air them in the sun for several hours each day. (See Counsels on Health, 56, 196) Certainly the sun was designed by our Creator to help us prevent disease and if we are ill, to help us recover. It is also a symbol of the life we are to live. “The sun, gilding, tinting, and then glorifying the heavens with its blaze of light is a symbol of the Christian life. As the light of the sun is light and life and blessing to all that live, so should Christians, by their good works, by their cheerfulness and courage, be the light of the world. As the light of the sun chases away the shades of night and pours its glories on valleys and hills, so will the Christian reflect the Sun of Righteousness which shines on him.” Our High Calling, 296. Sunlight is free to the poor as well as to the rich. Most of us need to use it more than we do.

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE! III.

ABSTEMIOUSNESS

A

BSTEMIOUSNESS is one of God’s remedies. It means the sparing use of something, usually in the area of food or drink. The term Temperance has essentially the same meaning, and is more commonly used. The underlying meaning of both terms is “to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 562. Certainly the opposite of Temperance is a serious problem in our world today. “InTemperance, in the true sense of the word, is at the foundation of the larger share of the ills of life, and it annually destroys its tens of thousands. For inTemperance is not limited to the use of intoxicating liquors; it has a broader meaning, and includes the hurtful indulgence of any appetite or passion.” Temperance, 137. The abuse of harmful substances is certainly widespread today, and seems to be on the increase. Much of it begins by wanting to belong to some special group—to be like someone else. We refer to this as peer pressure. The use of what are considered “hard” drugs usually begin with peer pressure to be part of the crowd by using some milder substance. As the body accustoms itself to the milder effect, it tends to crave a stronger effect and thus the user many times progresses to more harmful substances. Addiction refers to the fact that the body actually develops a physical dependance upon the active ingredient in the abused substance. This dependance is manifested by the fact that increasing amounts are needed in order to obtain the same desired effect, and if the use is stopped there are definite unpleasant symptoms referred to as withdrawal. Many, many substances have a true addictive effect upon the human body, and all are harmful to a greater of lesser degree. For a number of years, marijuana has been a popular recreational drug. It was felt for a long time to be harmless. However, it is now known that marijuana decreases the body’s immune system, it damages cell chromosones; it increases male sterility and is just as harmful to the lungs as tobacco. Certainly it is not a safe substance to use. The most recent drug to gain wide popularity has been cocaine. It also was thought at first to be harmless, but the opposite has been shown 18

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to be true. This fact has been dramatically publicized by the sudden deaths of some well-known persons after an apparent use of cocaine. It has been found to cause seizures, brain hemorrhages or strokes and various other neurologic and general health problems. A more recent form of the drug is called “crack.” It is cheaper, more potent and, if anything, more dangerous. These are just two examples of the so-called hard drugs that society recognizes as being harmful and therefore are illegal. However, greater emotional, physical, social, spiritual and financial harm is suffered by our society due to the use of a number of “socially-acceptable” subtances. Alcohol is the most frequent drug of abuse, even among youth. In Genesis 9 we have the record of Noah being drunken from wine and how it created social problems. Canaan was cursed because of the episode, and humanity has suffered under the curse of alcohol ever since. “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” 1 Timothy 5:23. Many people have interpreted the above counsel of Paul to Timothy to indicate that alcohol in moderation is beneficial and recommended by the Scriptures. We need to be guided by this following statement of the Lord’s messenger. “The Bible nowhere teaches the use of intoxicating wine, either as a beverage or as a symbol of the blood of Christ.” Healthful Living, 113 Science has noted that alcohol in “moderation” lowers blood cholesterol and it is felt that it may decrease the incidence of heart attacks. Thus, some physicians are recommending the moderate or controlled use of alcohol. Many times it is recommended to take some alcoholic beverage at bedtime to assist in sleeping. They do this in disregard of the addictive action of alcohol and of its many harmful effects within the human body. “Persons may become just as really intoxicated on wine and cider as on stronger drinks, and the worst kind of inebriation is produced by these so-called milder drinks. The passions are more perverse; the transformation of character is greater, more determined and obstinate. A few quarts of cider or sweet wine may awaken a taste for strong drinks, and many who have become confirmed drunkards have thus laid the foundation of the drinking habit. . . . Moderate drinking is the school in which men are receiving an Education for the drunkard’s career. The taste for stimulants is cultivated; the nervous system is disordered; Satan keeps the mind in a fever of unrest; and the poor victim, imagining himself

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perfectly secure, goes on and on, until every barrier is broken down, every principle sacrificed.” Healthful Living, 112 “When there has been a departure from the right path, it is difficult to return. Barriers have been removed, safeguards broken down. One step in the wrong direction prepares the way for another. A single glass of wine may open the door of temptation which will lead to habits of drunkeness.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 578 In 1985 there were approximately 18 million Americans suffering ill health of some type due to the use of alcohol. This number does not include the multiplied millions of family members who suffered along with them. Alcohol-related problems cost our society 117 billion dollars in 1983. An estimated 10% of all deaths (40-50% of all traffic fatalities) and 10% of work-related accidents are alcohol related. Alcohol is associated with 35-50% of marital violence. And yet alcohol use is so socially acceptable that American youth are using it at an increasingly younger age. Alcohol causes much of its harm to the human body because of its effect upon the red blood cells which are essential for the transport of oxygen to every body organ. Alcohol makes the red cells sticky, and they make clumps of cells that can no longer pass through the smaller blood vessels. This deprives organ cells of oxygen and nerve cells begin dying when they lack oxygen for only 5-6 minutes. It has been shown that there are some nerve cells that die with every alcoholic drink. Because of the tremendous number of nerve cells initially, the loss is not noted perhaps until the process has been repeated for many years. “At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” Proverbs 23:32. Recently it has been shown that alcohol consumption by the pregnant woman can cause a pattern of birth defects in the child referred to as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The defects include mental retardation. At present, scientists doubt that there is a “safe” level of alcohol use during pregnancy. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. With reason we are told that “When Temperance is presented as a part of the gospel, many will see their need of reform. They will see the evil of intoxicating liquors and that total abstinence is the only platform on which God’s people can conscientiously stand.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 75 Another widely used harmful substance is tobacco. It is commonly

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known that the tobacco user suffers from a wide variety of increased health problems. Tobacco is the leading single cause of premature death in the United States. Its use causes more than 1000 unnecessary deaths every day! It results in increased death from coronary heart disease; vascular disease such as strokes and gangrene; cancers of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and esophagus; chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and allergic diseases. It has been estimated that it results in increased medical costs of up to eleven and one-half billion dollars annually. Even more tragic is the effects of passive smoking on those forced to breathe the polluted air of the smoker. It has been determined that some harmful ingredients are higher in secondhand or sidestream smoke than in that inhaled by the smoker. A nonsmoker can first experience the effects as a fetus, carried by its mother who smokes or is exposed to secondhand smoke. Such a fetus has a greater chance of being miscarried or born prematurely and if carried to term, it will be smaller than normal. Such a fetus will also have a greater chance of contracting certain forms of childhood cancer. This harmful exposure can continue after birth through breathing secondhand smoke and also as nicotine in the mother’s milk. Children of parents who smoke have twice the incidence of lung problems such as bronchitis, and pneumonia. Nonsmoking women whose husbands smoke have a three times greater risk of suffering a heart attack than nonsmoking women whose spouses don’t smoke. They also have a 30% greater risk of lung cancer. How up to date are these nearly 100-year-old words of God’s spokeswoman! “Wherever we go, we encounter the tobacco devotee, enfeebling both mind and body by his darling indulgence. Have men a right to deprive their Maker and the world of the service which is their due? Tobacco is a slow, insidious poison. Its effects are more difficult to cleanse from the system than are those of liquor. It binds the victim in even stronger bands of slavery than does the intoxicating cup. It is a disgusting habit, defiling to the user, and very annoying to others. We rarely pass through a crowd but men will puff their poisoned breath in our faces. It is unpleasant, if not dangerous, to remain in a railway car or in a room where the atmosphere is impregnated with the fumes of liquor and tobacco. Is it honest thus to contaminate the air which others must breathe?” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 33-34. We find another sobering statement in the book Temperance. “The infant lungs suffer, and become diseased by inhaling the atmosphere of

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE!

a room poisoned by the tobacco user’s tainted breath. Many infants are poisoned beyond remedy by sleeping in beds with their tobacco-using fathers. By inhaling the poisonous tobacco effluvia, which is thrown from the lungs and pores of the skin, the system of the infant is filled with poison. While it acts upon some infants as a slow poison, and affects the brain, heart, liver, and lungs, and they waste away and fade gradually, upon others, it has a more direct influence, causing spasms, fits, paralysis, and sudden death.” Testimonies, vol. 58-59 Another widely used but harmful substance is that of caffeine. It is a stimulant found in regular coffee, tea, several medications and in over two thirds of the soft drinks consummed in the U.S. Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant acting to temporarily stimulate the nerves to a more rapid function but without providing any of the energy or other nutrients utilized by that function. As the caffeine wears off the nerves are then in a depressed state causing the “need” for another dose of caffeine. Caffeine is definitely addictive and a lowering blood level creates symptoms such as headache, tiredness, depression and anxiety. After taking another dose of caffeine, such a person will temporarily feel better and thus he comes to believe that he or she needs the caffeine. The truth is that the undesirable feelings are caused by the caffeine. “Tea and coffee do not nourish the system. The relief obtained from them is sudden, before the stomach has time to digest them. This shows that what the users of these stimulants call strength is only received by exciting the nerves of the stomach, which convey the irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased action to the heart and short-lived energy to the entire system. All this is false strength that we are the worse for having. They do not give a particle of natural strength.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 65 “Tea is poisonous to the system. Christians should let it alone. The influence of coffee is in a degree the same as tea, but the effect upon the system is still worse. Its influence is exciting, and just in the degree that it elevates above par, it will exhaust and bring prostration below par.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 421 “Coffee is a hurtful indulgence. It temporarily excites the mind to unwonted action, but the aftereffect is exhaustion, prostration, paralysis of the mental, moral, and physical powers. The mind becomes enervated, and unless through determined effort the habit is overcome, the activity of the brain is permanently lessened.” Ibid.

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Caffeine has been shown to be related to heart- rhythm disturbances. Caffeine increases the loss of calcium in the urine and is undoubtably an important factor in osteoporosis where bones can fracture with even minor injuries. Caffeine decreases blood flow to the brain. Caffeine and similar substances are also found in diminishing amounts in coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate, and are suspected of being a factor in cystic disease of the breast. Heavy drinking of caffeine beverages can lead to a conditon referred to as caffeinism. It can be confused with anxiety neurosis, with symptoms consisting of dizziness, agitation, restlessness, recurring headaches and difficulty in sleeping. Interestingly, these symptoms are nearly the same as with caffeine withdrawal. The question arises as to the possible harmful effects of cocoa and chocolate. Cocoa was widely used in the time of Ellen White, but she did not mention it. However, cocoa and chocolate can definitely contribute to problems such as migraine headaches, allergies, acne and perhaps other illnesses. They also contain high amounts of fat and sugar and thus should probably be used sparingly, if at all. For many years there was no direct evidence that coffee drinking was related to coronary heart disease. However, just recently a 25-year study revealed a two- to threefold increase in coronary heart disease in those who drank 5 or more cups of coffee per day. There was also some increased risk in those persons who drank as little as 1 to 2 cups of coffee per day. Heavy coffee drinking has also been linked to elevated levels of blood cholesterol. Coffee affects the function of the liver, causing confusion in the levels of blood sugar and aggravating the condition of those suffering from diabetes. Drinking tea with the same amount of caffeine does not cause these effects and thus indicates that they are the results of some other ingredient(s) than caffeine in the coffee. Decaffeinated coffee is also as irritating to the stomach as is regular coffee. Other dangerous substances used by many persons are the tablets to calm one’s nerves, tablets to sleep, tablets to take away sleep, and products such as amphetamines to aid in the reduction of weight. It seems that people cannot do anything in a natural way, but must have a drug to control each aspect of their lives. Some of these products are less dangerous than others, but many of them have a tendency to form addiction. It is best to avoid the use of them and to live as natural a life

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as possible. There is an interesting correlation between the use of any stimulating substance and the craving to use other stimulants. This correlation has been shown to be true in animal studies, and many humans can testify to the same experience in their own lives. “Many parents educate the tastes of their children and form their appetites. They indulge them in eating flesh meats and in drinking tea and coffee. The highly seasoned flesh meats and the tea and coffee, which some mothers encourage their children to use, prepare the way for them to crave stronger stimulants, as tocacco. The use of tobacco encourages the appetite for liquor, and the use of tobacco and liquor invariably lessens nerve power.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 488-489 Even highly seasoned and rich food is a factor. “The food is often such as to excite a desire for stimulating drinks. Luxurious dishes are placed before the children—spiced foods, rich gravies, cakes, and pastries. This highly seasoned food irritates the stomach, and causes a craving for still stronger stimulants.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 235 An even more facinating correlation is that found between poor nutrition and the use of alcohol. Rats fed a typical U.S. teenage diet, marginally adequate in vitamins and minerals, will gradually increase their voluntary consumption of alcohol. This tendency is reversed when they receive a good balanced diet. It has been shown that alcoholics given a good balanced diet have less of a craving for alcohol. This effect is even greater if the balanced diet is vegetarian. Thus we can see the importance of good nutrition in helping ourselves and our children to resist the use of these many harmful substances. “When the message comes to those who have not heard the truth for this time, they see that a great reformation must take place in their diet. They see that they must put away flesh food, because it creates an appetite for liquor, and fills the system with disease.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 268-269 We must guard against the very beginnings of inTemperance. “InTemperance commences at our tables in the use of unhealthful food. After a time, through continued indulgence, the digestive organs become weakened, and the food taken does not satisfy the appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving for more stimulating food. Tea, coffee, and flesh meats produce an immediate effect. Under the influence of these poisons the nervous system is excited, and, in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems to be invigorated and the imagination to be more vivid. Because these stimulants produce

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for the time being such agreeable results, many conclude that they really need them and continue their use. But there is always a reaction. The nervous system, having been unduly excited, borrowed power for present use from its future resources of strength. All this temporary invigoration of the system is followed by depression. In proportion as these stimulants temporarily invigorate the system will be the letting down of the power of the excited organs after the stimulus has lost its force. The appetite is educated to crave something stronger which will have a tendency to keep up and increase the agreeable excitement, until indulgence becomes habit, and there is a continual craving for stronger stimulus, as tobacco, wines, and liquors. The more the appetite is indulged, the more frequent will be its demands and the more difficult of control. The more debilitated the system becomes and the less able to do without unnatural stimulus, the more the passion for these things increases, until the will is overborne, and there seems to be no power to deny the unnatural craving for these indulgences.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 487-488 Abstemiousness will indeed help prevent and alleviate many health problems. But the most important benefit is that of spiritual health. “Through appetite, Satan controls the mind and the whole being.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 37. “It is impossible for those who give the reins to appetite to attain to Christian perfection.” Ibid., 46 Indeed, “the only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not, tea, coffee, wines, tobacco, opium, and alcoholic drinks.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 488 By a moment-by-moment surrender of our appetites and desires to the Lord, He gives us the power to follow the principles of true Temperance in dispensing “entirely with everything hurtful” and in using “judiously that which is healthful”. Patriarchs and Prophets, 562

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE! IV.

REST

I

’M SO TIRED” is one of the most common complaints of man kind. There are several types of tiredness or fatigue. There is muscular fatigue due to muscular work. With muscular fatigue, we are relaxed and we sleep readily. There is fatigue of the nervous system due to mental concentration and continuous use of the nervous system. With fatigue of the nervous system, our muscles are tense and we frequently find it difficult to sleep. Occasionally, we experience one or the other of these types of fatigue, but generally, we experience various combinations of these two types. These types of fatigue are called true fatigue or physiological fatigue because the cells of the muscles and the nervous tissues have run low on nutrients and have accumulated waste products. Thus, these cells are truly tired and unable to continue working at maximum efficiency. With true fatigue, the body tissues actually need rest in order to recuperate. There is another type of fatigue which is very common, but which is a false or psychological fatigue. It is not caused by an actual use of the muscular or nervous systems. It springs from boredom, stress, and/ or a sense of guilt. At one time or another, we have all experienced this type of fatigue. It is characterized by a feeling of tiredness even after having a good night’s rest. Millions of people complain of chronic fatigue which is caused by depression caused by boredom with their job or their social life, or due to a sense of guilt. Many people go through life accomplishing much less than they can because they feel or think that they are more tired than they actually are. One scientist stated that most of us automatically and unconsciously limit our exertional effort to approximately 50% of our capacity. There is much truth in the saying “You can do it if you think you can.” A positive outlook on life, though not the full answer to fatigue, can help us feel less tired. What is the antidote for fatigue? True physiological fatigue requires rest in order for the deplenished tissues to restore and prepare themselves for future activity. Thus, true fatigue from physical activity requires physical rest. Thus it is that our bodies require sleep in order to have energy for the next day. “Sleep, nature’s sweet restorer, invigo26

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rates the weary body and prepares it for the next day’s duties.” Adventist Home, 289 Our Creator has also given us a weekly rest—the seventh day. The Sabbath helps to break the monotony and boredom of life and by assisting in our communion with our Creator and Saviour. It also helps to bring us into harmony with with our fellow men. Thus the prime causes of psychological or false fatigue are alleviated. Recreation means to re-create, and ideally it is a form of rest. “There is a distinction between recreation and amusement. Recreation, when true to its name, re-creation, tends to strengthen and build up. Calling us aside from our ordinary cares and occupations, it affords refreshment for mind and body, and thus enables us to return with new vigor to the earnest work of life. Amusement, on the other hand, is sought for the sake of pleasure and is often carried to excess; it absorbs the energies that are required for useful work and thus proves a hindrance to life’s true success.” Education, 207 Most people think of sports when they think of recreation. However, we should not limit our recreation to comparatively useless activities. Reading an informative article or book can re-create a physical laborer. Gardening, or other useful physical exercise can re-create the mental laborer. A change in activity recreates. Recreation can very well consist of alternating useful activites. “As a rule, the exercise most beneficial to the youth will be found in useful employment. The little child finds both diversion and development in play; and his sports should be such as to promote not only physical but mental and spiritual growth. As he gains strength and intelligence, the best recreation will be found in some line of effort that is useful.” Education, 215 We spend nearly one-third of our lifetime sleeping. However, sleep is a subject that man has knows very little about. Only in recent years has science begun to understand some aspects of it. By measuring man’s brain waves, it has been determined that there are four stages or levels of sleep. Normally, we spend the night going up and down these four levels of consciousness as if on waves. Usually, we ride five or six of these “waves” each night. The deepest and the most superficial levels of sleep seem to be the most essential to rest. The deepest level of sleep is occurring when the individual is the most difficult to arouse, and is essential to adequate rest. It is when the brain is the least active. The most superficial level of sleep is also essential to rest. It is during this stage of sleep that the person dreams.

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Dreaming is apparently essential to normal sleep. We dream nearly 25% of the time we are asleep. It is at this level of sleep that we assimilate our most recent life into the whole of our past and file in our memory banks our most recent experiences. We cannot recall the majority of our dreams but occasionally, we can recall the last dream of the night. Mrs. E.G. White tells us that “The multitude of dreams arise from the common things of life, with which the Spirit of God has nothing to do.” Testimones, vol. 1 569. She also states that late suppers can be a cause of unpleasant dreams.(see Counsels on Health, 119.) Dreams can also be instigated by God or by the Devil. “The multitude of dreams arise from the common things of life, with which the Spirit of God has nothing to do. There are also false dreams, as well as false visions, which are inspired by the spirit of Satan. But dreams from the Lord are classed in the Word of God with visions and are as truly the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as visions.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 569. Each of our body cells, during our waking hours, is working for the welfare of the whole body. Thus in the daytime the nerve cells are carrying messages to and from all parts of the body, and the digestive cells are active in gathering food for the entire body. When we sleep, the majority of these activites decrease to a minimum. At night-time the cells concern themselves primarily with their own well-being. The experiences of the previous day are filed away. The last of the waste products is cleaned out, and fresh energy is metabolized and stored for the next day. Sleep is a time when we are unconscious; however, our body cells are not completely inactive. They utilize this time to take care of their own essential needs and to prepare for future service. Because of this fact, the basal metabolic rate (the rate of oxygen consumption) during sleep decreases only about 10-20%. The need for sleep varies from person to person. An adult needs 6 to 10 hours’ sleep. Babies and children need more sleep. Older people apparently can get by with less sleep. One physiologist believes that persons with a larger capacity for curiosity need less sleep than do others. Into this modern life, we tend to cram more activity than we should. Many people get less sleep than they need and build up a chronic sleep shortage. This lack first manifests itself by decreased muscular coordination and poor timing. As the sleep debt worsens, one’s sense of touch, pressure and temperature is reduced. One’s hearing may be impaired and the ability to judge distances can be lost.

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A person deprived of sleep for several days becomes irritable and experiences visual illusions, sensations, nonsensical thoughts and disorientation. This leads to psychotic actions. After about 100 hours without sleep, delirium sets in. Apparently in early English history people were sometimes condemned to die by being prevented from sleeping. They always died raving maniacs. Our bodies get more out of our sleep when we have regular hours for rest. “The importance of regularity in the time for eating and sleeping should not be overlooked. Since the work of building up the body takes place during the hours of rest, it is essential, especially in youth, that sleep should be regular and abundant.” ED p. 205 Our body organs function in harmony with an internal time clock. Irregularity in sleeping prevents the maximum harmonious function of our body. When is the best time to go to sleep? Many people go to bed late at night and sleep late in the morning. Some must work during the night and sleep during the day. However, this arrangement is not natural and should be avoided as much as possible. The Spirit of Prophecy speaks against the habit of turning day into night and night into day. It is for our good to live in harmony with the order and discipline of our Creator. See Child Guidance p. 111-112 There is some truth to the saying, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealth and wise.” At one time or another, all of us experience the inability to sleep called insomnia. Approximately one out of every seven persons in the United States considers himself to have a chronic inability to sleep. Studies show however that these persons usually sleep longer than they think they do. Measurements of the brain waves of poor sleepers show that they do not experience the four levels of sleep in a normal pattern. Therefore, they do not feel as if or believe that they have slept as long as they have. Worry and excessive mental activity are probably the most common causes of insomnia. The greatest help for much of mankind’s inability to sleep is faith in a Higher Power and a knowledge of a forgiveness of sin—sin against their fellow man and their Creator. Trust in God and a clear conscience will do much to insure peaceful sleep. In The Story of Redemption p. 294-295, is described the peaceful sleep of Peter, the night before his scheduled execution. “On this last night before the execution a mighty angel, commissioned from Heaven, descended to rescue him. The strong gates which shut in the saint of God open without the aid of human hands; the angel of the Most High enters, and they close again noise-

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE!

lessly behind him. He enters the cell, hewn from the solid rock, and there lies Peter, sleeping the blessed, peaceful sleep of innocence and perfect trust in God, while chained to a powerful guard on either side of him. The light which envelops the angel illuminates the prison, but does not waken the sleeping apostle. His is the sound repose that invigorates and renews and that comes of a good conscience.” Another common cause of insomnia is the use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee. We need to learn to give our bodies proper rest and nutrition instead of the stimulants so frequently used. “The continued use of these nerve irritants is followed by headache, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling, and many other evils; for they wear away the life forces. Tired nerves need rest and quiet instead of stimulation and overwork. Nature needs time to recuperate her exhausted energies.” The Ministry of Healing, 326327 Undoubtably, the stimulation of reading exciting stories or the observing of exciting television programs or movies is also a big cause of insomnia and poor sleep. Late suppers force the digestive system to work overtime. This disturbs the normal pattern of sleep and when the person awakens, his whole system is unrefreshed and unready for the duties of the new day. See Education, 205, pr. 3; Counsels on Health, 118, pr. 3. We usually feel drowsy shortly after a meal because the digestion of the food draws blood away from the brain. Also one of the products of the digestion of protein seems to stimulate drowsiness. When we sleep or are very inactive right after eating, the fat we absorb from our meal tends to form into larger particles. These large fat particles may then obstruct small blood vessels. This fact perhaps explains why many persons die in their sleep. Moderate exercise such as a brisk walk after eating helps to invigorate and equalize the circulation and helps to prevent the formation of large fat particles in our blood. It also helps to prevent drowsiness and is a definite aid to digestion. See Medical Science and The Spirit of Prophecy pp. 19-21. Midday naps will be more beneficial if taken before the meal. Even though food causes drowsiness, the sleep obtained soon after eating is not the most effective or healthful. It is best to sleep on an empty or nearly empty stomach. Many people, when they cannot sleep properly, resort to the use of sleeping pills. Some people take liquor or barbiturates or tranquilizers in order to calm down and relax and help to induce sleep. However, re-

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search shows that these substances induce abnormal patterns of sleep. The persons using these products sleep, but they do not have a refreshing type of sleep. They awaken still anxious; and tend to gradually increase the amount of the drugs. Sedatives and sleeping pills, if used at all, should be resorted to only during the rare crisis brought on by serious illness, trauma or grief. What can we do to prevent false psychological fatigue and to obtain restoration from true physiololical fatigue? In the first place our body rests best if it is physically tired. Approach life with the Christian motto “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.” Increased physical activity, causing the muscles to be restep forward to refreshing rest. “Those who are always busy, and go cheerfully about the performance of their daily tasks, are the most happy and healthy. The rest and composure of night brings to their wearied frames unbroken slumber.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 529. We should have a variety of useful activities throughout the day. Regular hours for rest will also be a benefit. Avoid stimulating foods, drinks and programs. Do not attempt to rest without first making right with God and your fellowman the wrongs committed during the day. Go to bed at a reasonable time, and arise when nature awakens. Spend some time each morning in private devotions. These practices will be of great assistance in assuring your body the refreshing and restoring rest it needs. Certainly “the sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” Eccl. 5:12.

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE! V.

EXERCISE

M

ATTHEW 25:29: “For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” The human body operates on the same basis as nature, adjusting to the demands placed upon it. What we do not use we tend to lose. The human body is different from a machine. A machine when used has a shortened useful life span, whereas the human body when used tends to have a lengthened and strengthened life span. This principle is especially true in regard to the some 400 muscles of our bodies. If we do not use them, they become less capable of use. If we exercise them, they become stronger and more capable of use. Thus exercise benefits the muscles themselves. The principle benefit for the body derived from exercise, however, is the improvement in blood circulation throughout the whole body. Many problems and complaints can be caused by unbalanced circulation. Dullness of the mind, decreased memory, muscular aches and pains, easy tiredness, digestive problems and chronic fatigue can all be caused by poor circulation. Nervous tension with its resultant heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and sleeplessness can be aggravated by unbalanced circulation. We have all noted that when we do continuous mental activity without physical activity for an hour or two, our minds get foggy and if we continue this for several hours, many times our heads will feel feverish. We will even have a headache, with our feet and extremities feeling cold. This is caused by continuous activity of one part of the body drawing the blood to that part of the body. In a short time the blood is actually in excess in the active organ. The veins are dilated and the blood flows sluggishly. This results in a decreased delivery of oxygen and a decrease in removal of waste, carbon dioxide and other products. Thus the function of the organ diminishes with diminished physical activity. Another good example is that if we are inactive after eating, our digestive process actually will draw excess blood to the digestive organs. This will lead to congestion of the digestive organs and the digestive process will actually be slowed down. 32

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Periods of muscular exercise interrupting periods of mental activity helps to draw the blood away from the brain thus letting the blood flow faster through the brain, delivering more oxygen and increasing the elimination of the waste products. Thus the brain is able to function much better. The same thing happens if one does moderate exercise after eating. Exercise improves the circulation to the digestive organs improving the digestion. Thus we see that physical exercise balances or equalizes the circulation throughout the body. This improves the function and health of the entire being. Testimonies, vol. 3, 490: “If physical exercise were combined with mental exertion, the blood would be quickened in its circulation, the action of the heart would be more perfect, impure matter would be thrown off, and new life and vigor would be experienced in every part of the body.” Healthful Living, 132, pr. 586: “The proper use of their physical strength, as well as of the mental powers, will equalize the circulation of the blood, and keep every organ of the living machinery in running order.” The function of the whole body depends on the quickness and efficiency of the circulation. In order to function well, each cell and each organ needs an adequate supply of fresh oxygen and nutrients and a quick elimination of the waste products. Thus the quality and efficiency of the circulation controls the efficiency of all the body organs and body functions. Also the endurance of our body and its organs is to a great extent determined by the quality of the circulatory system. All exercise, unless overdone, is beneficial to a greater or lesser extent. However, daily exercise to the point where the heart rate is increased and the respiration is deep and rapid causes a maximum function of the circulation and has the most beneficial effect on the body. Our body actually has three blood pumps. The first is the heart which pumps fresh blood toward the periphery, and through the lungs. The heart accounts for about two-thirds of the total circulation. The second pump are the muscles, especially those of the lower extremities and hips or thighs. Their contraction expresses the used blood back up toward the heart. The third pump is deep respiration which tends to draw the blood from the periphery back to the chest cavity and the heart. Vigorous exercise involves the function of all three pumps at one time providing the maximum circulation to all the cells and tissues of the body. Vigorous exercise produces a maximum function of the circulatory

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE!

system resulting in maximum amounts of oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the tissues and efficient removal of waste products. It causes a maximal dilation of the blood vessels helping to keep them distensible and ready for future use. The more the three blood pumps are used, the stronger they tend to become. Exercise that is sufficiently vigorous, sufficiently prolonged and sufficiently frequent will also stimulate the growth and development of additional capillaries in the body’s tissues. This action also increases the capacity of these tissues to carry out their functions. Muscles which contain an increased number of capillaries can do even more vigorous and more prolonged exercise. This increase in the number of capillaries results in increased physical endurance and is referred to as physical conditioning. The heart muscle is especially benefited by an increase in capillaries. This enables it to pump blood more vigorously and to do so for longer periods of time. Also, if a heart blood vessel is obstructed causing a heart attack, the extra capillaries of a physically conditioned heart can better carry oxygen and nutrients around the obstructed portion, resulting in a smaller and less serious heart attack. The regular work of some persons provides adequate muscular exercise. However, most people would benefit by increased exercise. Testimonies, vol. 2, 525-526: “More people die for want of exercise than through overfatigue; very many more rust out than wear out. Those who accustom themselves to proper exercise in the open air will generally have a good and vigorous circulation. We are more dependent upon the air we breathe than upon the food we eat. Men and women, young and old, who desire health, and who would enjoy active life, should remember that they cannot have these without a good circulation. Whatever their business and inclinations, they should make up their minds to exercise in the open air as much as they can.” In choosing an exercise program, one should select as far as possible one that is enjoyable and useful and out of doors in the sunshine and fresh air. A wide variety of sporting activities have been popularized as a means of physical exercise. Sports can exercise the physical body, but even better yet is useful physical labor to gain the most out of the time spent. Spaulding-Magan’s Unpublished Testimonies, 70: “All the teachers need exercise, a change of employment. God has pointed out what this should be—useful, practical work; but you have turned away

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from God’s plan to follow human inventions, and that to the detriment of the spiritual.” Healthful Living, 128, pr. 565: “When useful labor is combined with study, there is no need of gymnastic exercises; and much more benefit is derived from work performed in the open air than from indoor exercise. The farmer and the mechanic each have physical exercise; yet the farmer is much the healthier of the two, for nothing short of the invigorating air and sunshine will fully meet the wants of the system. The farmer finds in his labor all the movements that were ever practised in the gymnasium. And his movement room is the open fields; the canopy of heaven is its roof, the solid earth is its floor.” For a number of years science has been saying that to get the benefit out of exercise, one must get his heart rate up to a certain point and keep it there for a certain length of time. For the maximum benefit this advice may be true. However, science is now saying that there is definite benefit in all physical activity, and encouragement is being given for everyone to just be active. Regular housework and the repair and upkeep duties around the home are beneficial. For its exercise benefits gardening is especially recommended by science and is also highly recommended by the Spirit of Prophecy. Ministers have received this counsel applicable to many people. Healthful Living, 129, pr. 566: “Brethren, when you take time to cultivate your gardens, thus gaining the exercise needed to keep the system in good working order, you are just as much doing the work of God as in holding meetings.” A person is very fortunate who can work at least half an hour to an hour each day in a garden. He will not only obtain good physical exercise and crops of healthful food, but also will have increased peace of mind as he works more harmoniously with the God of nature. Walking is also a very highly recommended form of exercise. To have a good walking program do the following. Set a goal to walk one mile a day in 15 minutes. Measure a mile course in a safe place. Walk this course daily at a pace you can easily tolerate. Time yourself and keep a record of it. Stop and rest at any time you have discomfort or shortness of breath. When you can walk the course comfortably in 15 minutes, set your next goal of two miles in 30 minutes. When this is achieved, aim for three miles per day in 45 minutes. And then even four miles a day in one hour. This goal can be readily divided into two daily periods of walking.

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Between gardening and walking, one can get good exercise all year round. Healthful Living, 130, pr. 574: “Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven, or cultivating flowers, small fruits, and vegetables, is necessary to a healthful circulation of the blood. It is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestions of the brain and lungs, inflammation of the liver, the kidneys, and the lungs, and a hundred other diseases.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 78: “Walking, in all cases where it is possible, is the best remedy for diseased bodies, because in this exercise all the organs of the body are brought into use. . . . There is no exercise that can take the place of walking. By it the circulation of the blood is greatly improved.” Brisk walking exercises and benefits all parts of the body. Healthful Living, 130, pr. 572: “There is no exercise that will prove as beneficial to every part of the body as walking. Active walking in the open air will do more for women, to preserve them in health if they are well, than any other means. Walking is also one of the most efficient remedies for the recovery of health of the invalid. The hands and arms are exercised as well as the limbs.” However, a variety of exercise will give a better harmony of the body faculties. Testimonies, vol. 3, 77: “Each faculty of the mind and each muscle has its distinctive office, and all require to be exercised in order to become properly developed and retain healthful vigor. Each organ and muscle has its work to do in the living organism. Every wheel in the machinery must be a living, active, working wheel. Nature’s fine and wonderful works need to be kept in active motion in order to accomplish the object for which they were designed. Each faculty has a bearing upon the others, and all need to be exercised in order to be properly developed. If one muscle of the body is exercised more than another, the one used will become much the larger, and will destroy the harmony and beauty of the development of the system. A variety of exercise will call into use all the muscles of the body.” Since exercise improves the circulation of the blood throughout the body, every body organ functions better with exercise. Exercise is helpful in diseases of the peripheral arteries and veins. It helps lower elevated blood pressure. It helps control appetite and overweight. It benefits diabetes, lung diseases, arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain and chronic fatigue. With exercise the nervous system suffers less from depression or anxiety. Tense muscles are relaxed better by exercise than by tranquilizers.

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The brain worker is more productive with exercise. Education, 209: “He who continually pores over his books will find, after a time, that the mind has lost its freshness. Those who give proper attention to physical development will make greater advancement in literary lines than they would if their entire time were devoted to study.” The digestive system also is especially benefited by exercise. Especially is it true if moderate exercise is done right after eating. This prevents over-congestion and sluggish function of the digestive organs. Healthful Living, 130, pr. 573: “Exercise will aid the work of digestion. To walk out after a meal, hold the head erect, put back the shoulders, and exercise moderately, will be a great benefit. The mind will be diverted from self to the beauties of nature. The less the attention is called to the stomach after a meal, the better.” If one is to start an exercise program and he is not in good physical condition, he or she should adopt a progressively more vigorous exercise program as tolerated. When not in good condition, one should be careful of overexertion. If his muscles are quite sore following the exercise, he knows that his exercise was too strenuous. One should progress gradually as the body tolerates it. The following statement certainly confirms the importance of physical exercise: Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 173: “Proper exercise in the open air and genial sunshine, ranks among God’s highest and richest blessings to man. It gives form and strength to the physical organism, and, all other habits being equal, is the surest safeguard against disease and premature decay. Being man’s natural condition, it also gives buoyancy and strength to thought, and the mind maintains a healthful balance, free from the extremes resulting from artificial life.” Undoubtedly the most important benefits from physical exercise are those upon the human mind. Education, 209: “Physical inaction lessens not only mental but also moral power. The brain nerves that connect with the whole system are the medium through which heaven communicates with man, and affects the inmost life. Whatever hinders the circulation of the electric current in the nervous system, thus weakening the vital powers and lessening mental susceptibility, makes it more difficult to arouse the moral nature.” Thus exercise improves our capacity to relate to God. It enables us to be better able to live in harmony with the Creator. This high standard should be the primary purpose of all Healthful Living.

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE! VI.

PROPER DIET

W

HEN GOD created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He designed and built mankind’s bodies to last forever. During creation week, God also provided the natural resources needed to sustain man forever. Plants were provided to produce oxygen for man as well as to burn up man’s waste product, carbon dioxide. An abundance of fresh water was provided. A wide variety of food-bearing plants were also created. An eternally burning sun was placed in the heavens to give light and energy, so that the plants could eternally provide food and oxygen for man. Yes, man was placed in a world with sufficient natural resources to sustain his life forever. But man does not now live forever. In fact, one hundred years is far in excess of mankind’s average life span. What has gone wrong? What is man missing? Yes, we know that Adam and Eve sinned, and so has every person since then. However, death is not the presence of some new entity. It is not something which God has arbitrarily given to man as punishment for his sins. Death is largely the inevitable result of the absence and/or misuse of one or more of the natural resources which God provided for man’s eternal sustenance. Ponce de Leon is famous for his unsuccessful world-wide search for a fountain of water containing the missing factors needed to prolong man’s life indefinitely. True, much of our air and water contain pollutants which can be harmful to our health. However, fresh air and pure water are pretty much accessible to all, and as far as we know there are no missing health-giving factors from air or water which were present in the Garden of Eden. The sun still circles the earth every 24 hours, and as far as we know it still sheds the same amount of food and oxygenproducing energy. However, in respect to our food, we find that great changes have taken place. In fact, the primary differences in the earth’s life-sustaining resources between today and the Garden of Eden are in the area of man’s food. When Adam and Eve sinned, they deserved immediate and complete annihilation. However, God in His mercy arranged it in such a way that man’s life would be sustained for sufficient time to give man a second chance. To accomplish a shortening of man’s life, God could 38

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have modified or taken away man’s life-sustaining sunlight, air or water. God chose, however, instead to modify man’s diet. God knew that man’s life span can be modified by what he eats. Therefore, God removed from man’s diet the use of the fruit and leaves of the tree of life. To prevent too great a shock to man’s nutritional status, He told them to add vegetables to their previous diet of fruits, grains and nuts. In spite of the addition of vegetables to sinful man’s diet, it was still deficient in nutrients, and thus man eventually had to die. With the absence of the Tree of Life, man’s life span was shortened from eternity to less than one thousand years. After the Flood, God chose to shorten wicked man’s life even further, and to do so He again modified the diet. On this occasion He did not remove something more nutritious, but rather added to man’s diet something less nutritious. Partly owing to the shortage of fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables right after the Flood and partly to shorten man’s life, God gave man permission to eat the flesh of the clean animals. Within just a few generations after this second major dietary change, man’s life span had dropped to around 200 years. By the time of David, man’s life span had decreased to the present-day level. Thus the removal of certain substances from mankind’s diet has affected greatly his life span. The addition of new substances has shortened his life span further. Whenever we fail to eat something which was in man’s original diet, we generally shorten our lives. Whenever we eat something which was not in man’s original diet, we also tend to shorten our lives. Dietary improvement today to man’s health and longevity is the result of returning, to a greater or lesser degree, to the original diet as given to man by his Creator. The removal of the tree of life from man’s diet resulted in shortening man’s life from an eternity to about one thousand years. The addition of flesh meats to man’s diet was associated with a gradual decrease of life span to approximately 70 years at the time of David. Since David’s time, man has continued to add, subtract, and distort his diet. Because of the continued modifying of man’s diet, his present life span would undoubtedly be even shorter than 70 years, if it were not for the life-prolonging miracles of modern medicine. Science today recognizes that man’s health and life span are greatly affected by his diet. The amount of food we eat, as well as the type of food, definitely affects our health and longevity. In some parts of the world, many are suffering permanent health damage and even death due to insufficient food. In other parts of the world, the same lack is present because of an

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excess of food. The eating of excess food causes overweight with its multitude of health problems. According to one authority, approximately 85% of individuals tend to be overweight and as a result they die prematurely. If all over-weight could be eliminated, man’s average life span would increase approximately seven years. Most people believe that as long as they are not overweight, they are not eating too much. However, overeating does not always cause overweight. In most people, excess food is transformed into fat and stored for future use. However, in other people the excess food is transformed into waste products and the excess work required to eliminate this waste results in thinness and increased susceptibility to disease. Thus our weight does not always tell us whether or not we are overeating. “Some grow corpulent because the system is clogged; others become thin and feeble because their vital powers are exhausted in disposing of an excess of food.” MH 240. Some believe that Americans could lengthen their life span and be less susceptible to cancer if they would eat 1/3 and possibly even 1/2 less than they normally do. This probably can be applied to some other nationalities as well. It is certain that not only a lack of but also an overabundance of food affects our health and shortens our life. Not only how much we eat, but also the type of food we eat affects our health and longevity. This fact was first demonstrated when the tree of life was removed from man’s diet. It was again demonstrated after the flood, when mankind turned largely to foods of animal origin. “After the Flood the people ate largely of animal food. God saw that the ways of man were corrupt, and that he was disposed to exalt himself proudly against his Creator and to follow the inclinations of his own heart. And He permitted that long-lived race to eat animal food to shorten their sinful lives. Soon after the flood the race began to rapidly decrease in size, and in length of years.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 373. Since the Flood, animal products in our diet have continued to have important effects upon our health and longevity. Animal foods are rich in high-quality protein. Because they contain such large amounts of protein, it is easy to eat more protein than we need. Studies have shown that excess protein in the diet stimulates rapid growth and development of laboratory animals. They not only grow faster and bear young sooner, but they also grow larger. However, these animals develop more degenerative disease and they die younger than do animals with a diet with less but adequate protein. Excess protein is also

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detrimental in kidney disease and to osteoporosis Excess protein in the diet could very well be a major cause of man’s shortened life span since the Flood. When we speak of foods of animal origin, we tend to think of cholesterol. The cells of animals and humans need cholesterol for the formation of their walls and internal structures. Our bodies also need cholesterol for the making of bile salts, vitamin D and hormones and also, for the waterproofing of our skin. It is interesting to note that fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables contain no cholesterol. Apparently our Creator intended that the cholesterol which our own bodies produce should be adquate for our bodies needs. The cholesterol we eat when partaking of animal products is in excess of our needs. In addition to the extra cholesterol, animal products also contain fat which is not the best quality. When God gave permission to the children of Israel to eat meat, He forbade them to eat the fat or the blood. (See Leviticus 3:17.) Science is discovering that fat of animal origin is not the most healthful. Most animal fat, with the exception of fish oils, is saturated fat. When we eat excess saturated fat, it causes our bodies to produce even larger quantities of cholesterol. Thus animal products not only provide additional cholesterol, but their type of fat also tends to stimulate our bodies to increase their own production of cholesterol. Excess cholesterol tends to be deposited in our blood vessels and can result in heart attacks, strokes and gangrene. Thus man’s diet since the Flood also shortens his life by way of cardio-vascular disease. When animal fat is heated to a high temperature, it produces cancer-stimulating agents. This may well be another way in which flesh foods shorten lives. Apparently man is relatively insusceptible to disease of plants; however, he is susceptible to a number of the infectious and parasitic diseases of animals. Brucellosis, tuberculosis and trinchinosis are only examples of the infectious diseases which can be received by the eating of animal products. This is another way that man’s post-Flood diet has shortened his life. Science has discovered that at least some cancers are caused by a virus. Divine inspiration tells us that cancer is caused largely from the eating of meat. “Cancers, tumors, and all inflammatory diseases are largely caused by meat eating. From the light God has given me, the prevalence of cancer and tumors is largely due to gross living on dead flesh.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 388 We have seen when God modified the diet of Noah and his sons, he

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knew, that combined with the good nutrients in animal products, there were factors which would shorten man’s life span. However, the story of man’s diet and shortened life does not end here. Associated with the Industrial Revolution, there has been a further modification of man’s food. Wheat, corn and rice are perhaps the most widely consumed foods in the world, and they are largely consumed in a refined state. Refining removes major portions of the vitamins, minerals and roughage. In addition to the refined grains, we also eat large amounts of refined oils, fats and sugar. Man’s diet at present is much more refined and modified than it was 50 to 100 years ago. Modern man’s modified diet can affect his nutrition even before he is born. During the first three months of pregnancy, when the different organs and body structures are being formed, the nutritional needs of the developing fetus are small but very critical. If there is any deficiency of essential nutrients, a wide variety of problems can result. During this time, the mother usually has a poor appetite, and thus the fetus must obtain to a certain degree its essential nutrients from the mother’s reserves—those nutrients consumed and stored by the mother prior to pregnancy. Thus if a woman’s premarital and pre- pregnancy diet consists of an inadequate variety of food, or if it contains large amounts of refined foods, it is very possible that the nutrition of the fetus during its most critical period, will be deficient. The modification of modern man’s diet continues soon after he is born. The majority of modern babies are denied the healthful benefit of their mothers’ milk. Research has proved that babies who are not breastfed have a greater chance of becoming anemic. They also have more disease and have a greater chance of dying during infancy. After being weaned, the modern child faces a life of mostly devitalized, demineralized, and devitaminized food. The results to his health and longevity are widespread and science is only beginning to discover them. It has been found that excess sugar decreases the ability of our white blood cells to fight infection. It also increases the fat and cholesterol in our blood, thus increasing the risk of hardening of the arteries. Refined sugar, oil and shortening contain only calories. Because they contain no vitamins, minerals or roughage, they are referred to as “empty” calories. They provide energy, but none of the other nutrients necessary for using that energy. They displace more nutritious foods from our diet, and thus increase the risks of disease due to deficiencies of the other nutrients.

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Inadequate vitamin C has been associated with decreased resistance to infections, decreased healing, and to an increased risk of reactions to medications. Insufficient vitamin A may decrease our immune responses, as well as cause poor night vision. Lack of vitamin B can 12 cause anemia. Low amounts of vitamin B may be a factor in asthma 6 and in allergic skin disease. Inadequate vitamin E may cause one type of muscle cramps and also may be a factor in heart disease and aging. Deficiency in magnesium may be a factor in heart attacks. Even some types of mental illness may be a result of mineral deficiencies. The possible problems are innumerable and probably science will never be able to detect all of the problems caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies as a result of poor food availability or selection. During the last century several discoveries enabled the milling industry to produce a whiter flour. This process involves the removing of the outer layers of the wheat kernel along with the germ. Methods were also developed to remove the outer layers of the rice kernels, producing white rice. These outer layers of the grains are not only rich in vitamins and minerals, but also contain the major portion of the cellulose of the grains. To prevent a total loss of these vitamins and minerals, an enrichment program has been developed to replace some of these nutrients in white flour. In recent years, a process for enriching white rice has also been developed. The enrichment programs, however, have never returned any of the cellulose or fiber removed in the processing. As for white flour, only four of the twenty some elements removed in the refining process are in the “enrichment” process. Thus “enriched” white flour is in reality impoverished. The world of medicine and nutrition has been startled recently by data revealing that a low amount of bran or roughage may be a causative factor in many serious diseases. Because food fiber is indigestible, it was long believed that it could be removed in the processing of our foods without any harmful effects to our health. Only recently has it been shown to be beneficial to us in many ways.Indigestible food fibers such as those in fruits and vegetables and the outer layers of the grains produce bulk and hold moisture in our intestine. This helps to hasten the removal of waste products. Fiber also decreases the concentration of harmful substances and their time of contact with the intestinal tract. There is now scientific evidence that the removal of food fiber from our diet is an important cause of a wide variety of diseases such as appendicitis, intestinal polyps, obesity, heart disease, gallstones, diverticular

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disease of the colon and even cancer of the colon and rectum. In addition to the refining of foods, there are other ways in which we fail to get maximum benefit from our diet. Fruit which is fully ripe when harvested certainly has a better flavor and probably better nutrition than when it is picked immaturely. Vegetables which are not kept cool and moist begin to lose their flavor and some of their vitamins soon after harvest. Heat tends to destroy some vitamins, and thus it is not wise to eat primarily of cooked and processed foods. We should include raw foods in as many meals as possible. Vegetables should be cooked as little as possible, and any excess liquid should not be thrown away, but should be used in the making of soups, gravies or bread. Not only is modern man ruining his health and shortening his life by deleting nutrients from his diet, but he is also adding to his diet many questionable and harmful substances. We are all aware of the harmful effects of alcohol, coffee, tea and cola drinks. The use of strong irritants and spices not only irritates the digestive organs but also creates a desire for the stronger stimulants. In many countries, man’s diet consists principally of refined and processed food. To aid with the flavor, color, texture and the preservation of these foods, approximately 2,000 different chemicals are added to them. These substances are referred to as additives. A number of these additives seem to be beneficial; however, the long-term effect of many of them is unknown, and there are suggestions that some of them may be harmful. Severe behavioral problems in some children seem to be due to the presence of food additives in their diet. Certainly, man is taking a great risk when he consumes a multitude of substances without knowing what their long-term effects might be. Another addition to man’s diet which can cause much illness and even death is the contamination during the storage and/or preparation of food with bacteria or parasites. In some areas, much of the illness is due to uncleanliness in the handling, preparation, and serving of food. Certainly, man’s present diet and his health and longevity are very different from that of Eden. The ideal diet is not possible this side of heaven. We must, however, do the best we can here and now to eat as closely as possible to the ideal diet. The closer to man’s original diet we can eat, the better health we will enjoy. Proper diet can be defined as the most healthful diet possible. However, it is impossible to define a diet which is the proper diet for everyone at all times. What one person can readily digest, perhaps another

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cannot. What is available in one area or season is not available at another. What is proper for breakfast is not necessarily best for supper. What is good nutrition when one is well, is not usually the best when one is ill. What is proper for hard physical work is not good for sedentary work. We must individually study and pray in order to know what is the proper diet for us under varying circumstances. We cannot now partake of the ideal diet, but we should daily choose the best of that which is available. There are certain guidelines which can be of help in choosing your proper diet. Most nutritionists presently divide all foods into four basic types—the vegetable-fruit group, the bread-cereal group, the protein group, and the milk group. However, milk is high in protein and it can be combined with the protein group. If this is done, one has to remember only three basic food groups—the bread-cereal group, the vegetablefruit group and the high-protein group. The bread-cereal group includes all grains and their products, such as cereals, noodles and bread. The vegetable- fruit group contains all fruits and vegetables, except the dried legumes. The dried legumes, such as beans, peas, lentils and garbanzos are in the protein group. All nuts, including peanuts are also classed in the protein group. Eggs, cheese, gluten, milk and also any meat or fish are in the high-protein group. To have a balanced diet, one needs only to eat four or more servings each day from each of the three food groups. Each day one should include in his diet at least one serving of a green leafy vegetable and one serving of a yellow vegetable or fruit. One should avoid excessive variety at any one meal, but there should be variation one meal from the other. The wider variety of food one consumes, the more likely one is to have a well balanced diet. This is especially true in regard to the vitamins and minerals from the fruits and vegetables. Adequate protein is usually quite easy to obtain. One of the legumes, such as beans or garbanzos eaten each day with corn or wheat, provides adequate protein. Foods vary from country to country. However, we are told; “In the providence of God, every country produces articles of food containing the nourishment necessary for the upbuilding of the system.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 94. Many times, we can grow in our own garden other types, and better quality, of fruits and vegetables than we can obtain in the store. With a little effort, we can usually grow or obtain a wider variety of nutritious foods to enable us to leave off some of the foods which are not so nutritious. It would be beneficial to replace many

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of our rich desserts with fresh fruit or to leave them off altogether. In recent years, recipes have been developed which are tasty and nutritious without the use of any animal products. Many are following this type of diet, eating of a wide variety of fruits, whole grains, nuts and vegetables, and they are benefiting from the results. “In grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are to be found all the food elements that we need,” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 92. In making major changes in our diet it is frequently best to make them in smaller steps and to obtain recipes and assistance from those who are experienced in such changes. For the best of health we should limit the amount of sugar, oil and fat that we eat, and we should use whole-grain cereals and breads instead of the refined flour products. In addition to providing for ourselves a variety of nutritious food, we should also have good eating habits in order to have the best diet. Food should be taken only at regular meal times. Food, eaten within a few hours after the last meal, prevents proper digestion and may result in putrefaction of the food. Liquids with our meals tend to dilute the digestive juices and delay digestion. We should have at least five to six hours between meals. Breakfast should be one of the heartiest meals of the day. The evening meal should be very light and many would benefit by leaving it out entirely. We should always chew our food well and avoid unpleasant or anxious thoughts or conversations. A pleasant, merry heart certainly benefits the digestion. We can see that improper diet has been the greatest factor in the shortening of man’s life span from an eternity down to its present three score and ten years. Life and death are to a great extent dependent upon our diet. The keys to ideal nutrition are the nutritive factors in the fruits and leaves of the tree of life. In the earth made new, the nature of the sunshine, the air and the water will not be greatly different from what it is now. But man will have his ideal diet restored and once again eternal life will be possible. Just as a worsening of man’s diet has been the major factor in shortening his life span, just so the ideal diet will be the major factor in extending his longevity. “Grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect, that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 81 This side of heaven, we cannot have the ideal diet or eternal life,

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but we can have a proper diet. Yes, it requires study and effort to know what is a proper diet under varying curcumstances. However, our Creator has promised to help us. Our efforts to eat properly will be rewarded with a more healthful and vigorous life here, and we will be showing to our Creator our desire and eagerness to partake of the ideal diet of the earth made new.

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HOW TO REALLY LIVE! VII.

WATER

A

LL FORMS of life are dependant upon a continuous supply of water. Man can live about 6 weeks without food, but only a few days without water. The body of the average man contains 50 liters of water, the average woman has 40 liters. It is the most common ingredient by far in our bodies. It makes up about 85% of the brain, 75% of the muscles, and 70% of the total body weight. Water was chosen by the Creator to be the great vehicle of transport within the human system. Oxygen and all of the nutrients are transported to each of our cells by means of water. The waste products are carried away by means of water. God designed mankind to be dependant upon a continuous supply of pure water. Sin has perverted man’s natural taste and desires. Rather than doing that which is best for us, we naturally tend to eat and drink those things which are not best for us. Just as we cannot depend on our natural tastes to tell us when, how much, and what kind of foods to eat, we also cannot depend on our thirst to tell us how much and how frequently to drink water. We should drink a minimum of 5 to 6 glasses of water each day even if we do not feel thirsty. If we are doing physical labor or if it is hot and we are sweating, we should drink an even larger amount. It has been scientifically demonstrated that if we will drink more water than our thirst tells us to, we will have greater stamina and indurance. The best time to drink water is between meals when the stomach is empty, or comparatively so. Upon awakening in the morning is an excellent time to drink one or two glasses and again at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and at bed-time. Drinking warm water when we first awaken will increase the function of the colon, as well as help to prepare the whole digestive system for a hearty breakfast. If we form the habit of drinking water primarily between meals, we will avoid interfering with our digestion. Water or fluids with our meals can affect our digestion in several ways. First, liquids taken with our foods dilute the digestive juices and therefore delay the digestive processes. Second, if the fluids are very cold, slow the enzymatic reactions 48

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of the digestion slow down and chill the stomach and other digestive organs. Thus, in addition to diluting the digestive juices, cold liquids slow down the production of digestive juices, the activity of the digestive juices and the muscular activity of the digestive organs. Thus cold drinks have an even greater effect on the digestion than do cool or warm liquids. Large amounts of hot liquids over a period of time tend to debilitate the digestive organs. Small to moderate amounts of juice, milk or soup taken with our meals, primarily for their nutritive value can be of benefit. However, mealtime is not the best time to quench our thirst. If we have developed the habit of drinking adequate amounts of water between meals and if we avoid highly seasoned and rich foods, we will not be thirsty at mealtime. “Many make a mistake in drinking cold water with their meals. Taken with meals, water diminishes the flow of the salivary glands; and the colder the water, the greater the injury to the stomach. Ice water or ice lemonade, drunk with meals, will arrest digestion until the system has imparted sufficient warmth to the stomach to enable it to take up its work again. Hot drinks are debilitating; and besides, those who indulge in their use become slaves to the habit. Food should not be washed down; no drink is needed with meals. Eat slowly, and allow the saliva to mingle with the food. The more liquid there is taken into the stomach with the meals, the more difficult it is for the food to digest; for the liquid must first be absorbed. Do not eat largely of salt; give up bottled pickles; keep fiery spiced food out of your stomach; eat fruit with your meals, and the irritation which calls for so much drink will cease to exist. But if anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water, drunk some little time before or after the meal, is all that nature requires. Never take tea, coffee, beer, wine, or any spirituous liquors. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 420 When it is very hot and we are sweating, the temperature of our bodies is maintained at a normal degree through evaporation of the sweat from our skin. When we sweat, we become thirsty and we tend to drink cold water or other cold liquids to cool off. However, cold fluids will not cool us off very efficiently or rapidly. The liquids we drink have their greatest cooling effect when they evaporate from our sweat glands. Thus the rapidity of their getting from our lips to our sweat glands determines how quickly they can cool us off. Cold liquids cause a spasm in the outlet of the stomach. They must be warmed to body temperature before they can pass into the intestine and be absorbed and carried to

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the sweat glands. Cold fluids cause a local cooling of the throat and stomach, but their principle cooling effect by the sweat glands is delayed. However, cold liquids not only cause a delay, but they also force the body to do extra work in warming them up so that they can be absorbed. Many times this extra work produces more heat than is neutralized by the coldness of the fluid. Thus the individual is temporarily warmer after drinking the cold liquid than before. The water in liquids with nutrients such as juices, flavored drinks and milk cannot be fully absorbed until the nutrients are digested and also absorbed. Thus liquids with nutrients cannot cool one as quickly as plain water. When we are hot and sweaty, we will be cooled most quickly and efficiently if we drink only slightly cool or even slightly warm water. Water of this temperature passes quickly into the intestine. There it is rapidly absorbed and carried to the sweat glands where it can cool us. Many people experience discomfort in the mouth and even headaches when they drink very cold fluids. This effect, plus the spasm of the stomach caused by cold may be a major reason why many do not drink adequate amounts of water. The purity of water is also very important. Pure means that the water does not contain any harmful chemicals, bacteria, viruses or parasites. Public water supplies usually have their water purified by filtering and the addition of chlorine. There are a number of illnesses caused by impure water. Hepatitis, polio, and various dysenteries are examples of diseases one can obtain from the drinking impure water. Giardia is a parasite which can cause dysentary. On occasions in the United States, people have become ill from this parasite by drinking from what they thought were pure mountain streams. In many tropical areas the amebic cyst in the water is a serious threat to health. It is perhaps the most difficult to destroy of all water-borne infectious agents. If you are doubtful about the purity of your water, there are several ways by which you can purify it yourself. The easiest and surest way to purify water of infectious agents under the majority of circumstances is to boil it. The length of boiling depends on the height above sea level. At sea level, boiling for five minutes will kill even amebic cyst. However, at the altitude of 9000 feet, you need to boil the water forty-five minutes. An altitude between these two figures will require a proportionate length of boiloiling time. In some places, you can buy iodine tablets such as “halozone,” to add to the water. The amount will be according to in-

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structions given. Tincture of iodine can also be used in purifying water. Two drops per quart or liter is usually adequate to kill parasites, bacteria and amebic cysts. This should be permitted to stand for 30 minutes before using. Clorox, Purex, or any other brand of household bleach can also be used for water purification. Just add 4 to 5 drops to each quart or liter and leave to stand for 30 minutes before using. This has a less disagreeable flavor than iodine. Chemical treatment of water does not always destroy the giardia parasite. Soda pop is usually made from purified water and is bacteriologically safe to drink. However, it carries comparatively large amounts of sugar, artificial flavorings and colorings and is therefore not recommended for long-term replacement of water. Raw vegetables and fruits may also carry amebic cysts, other parasites, and even harmful bacteria. If they are well cooked or peeled, there will be no problem. However, if these are to be consumed raw and cannot be peeled, then soaking them in one of the above-mentioned solutions for 30 minutes will be of help. Nearly all water has varying amounts of different kinds of minerals and salts dissolved in it. Water may contain varying amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, fluorine, sulphur, and other minerals. Some people feel that water containing certain combinations and amounts of minerals have beneficial health effects upon the human body. In many areas of the world, mineral waters are bottled and sold with the idea that they have health-giving or healthful properties. Modern science has given very little study to this topic, and thus there is very little confirmation of these claims. Mineral water therefore may or may not have beneficial effects. The hardness of water refers to the amount of minerals dissolved in the water. Hard water has a large amount of minerals and requires large amounts of soap to produce a cleaning action. Soft water has very low amounts of minerals, if any, and it requires very little soap to develop a good amount of suds. Science feels that the hardness or softness of water may affect our health; however, there are no firm decisions in regard to this. Some studies have shown that persons who drink soft water have a greater incidence of high blood pressure. Other studies show that persons who drink soft water tend to be protected from the same disease. At present science cannot give us any answer as to which is more healthful to drink. However, the Spirit of Prophecy gives us some definite counsel in regard to this subject. It recommends that we use soft water for drinking, baking, and even bathing. It states that pure

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soft water is one of the most effective remedies for disease. Many of the minerals which may be found in our drinking water are necessary for good health. However, these same minerals can be obtained through our food, and thus it is still preferable when possible to utilize soft water. Fluorine is a mineral which our body needs in small amounts in order to have strong teeth and bones. Fluorine is present in some food; however, scientists believe that the only sure source is to obtain it through drinking water. Many communities are fluorinating their drinking water where it is deficient in fluorine. Where this program is carried out and the amount of fluorine in the water is strictly controlled, it has been shown that persons indeed have fewer dental cavities and also stronger bones more resistant to fracture, but if fractured, heal more quickly. Scientifically controlled amounts of fluorine in the drinking water is apparently a wise practice. We have seen the importance to our health of the internal use of water. Our health is also affected by the way we use water outside of our bodies. Because of its physical properties, water is very important in the cleanliness of the outside of our bodies as well as the inside. It also has great importance due to its ability to add or to take away heat from the body and to affect the circulation of every organ. Proper bathing is very important in keeping our skin free from harmful bacteria, dust and waste products. Our skin is constantly losing moisture by means of evaporation. When this moisture evaporates, it leaves waste products deposited on the skin surface as well as on our clothes and bedding. When we noticeably sweat, even larger amounts of waste products are deposited.If we do not bathe frequently and wear clean clothes and use clean bed linens, we can reabsorb these waste products and cause an extra load upon the other internal organs. “A great amount of suffering might be saved if all would labor to prevent disease, by strictly obeying the laws of health. Strict habits of cleanliness should be observed. Many, while well, will not take the trouble to keep in a healthy condition. They neglect personal cleanliness, and are not careful to keep their clothing pure. Impurities are constantly and imperceptibly passing from the body, through the pores, and if the surface of the skin is not kept in a healthy condition, the system is burdened with impure matter. If the clothing worn is not often washed, and frequently aired, it becomes filthy with impurities which are thrown off from the body by sensible and insensible perspiration. And if the garments worn are not frequently cleansed from these impurities, the pores

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of the skin absorb again the waste matter thrown off. The impurities of the body, if not allowed to escape, are taken back into the blood, and forced upon the internal organs.” Selected Messages, book 2, 460. A daily bath is recommended. “Most persons would receive benefit from a cool or tepid bath every day, morning or evening. Instead of increasing the liability to take cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because it improves the circulation; the blood is brought to the surface, and a more easy and regular flow is obtained. The mind and the body are alike invigorated. The muscles become more flexible, the intellect is made brighter. The bath is a soother of the nerves. Bathing helps the bowels, the stomach, and the liver, giving health and energy to each, and it promotes digestion.” The Ministry of Healing, 276. A brief cold bath is stimulating, resulting in increased vigor and well being. A cold shower is much preferred as a stimulant rather than the use of coffee, tea or cola beverages. A hot bath is relaxing and it helps to decrease the discomfort of tired and sore muscles. The heat increases the number of white blood cells in the blood, thus increasing one’s defenses against infection. A warm bath is calming and tranquilizing and can be a big help to a good night’s sleep. A hot bath terminated with cold, or alternating hot and cold baths, increases the circulation and serves as a tonic to increase the vigor of the body. A swelling or tenderness localized to a small area of the body can frequently be greatly alleviated by the use of hot and/or cold soaks or fomentations. There are some simple rules to keep in mind. If you have pain or swelling of less than 2-3 days duration, it is usually best to apply cold. If you have chronic pain or swelling, it is best to apply heat or alternating hot and cold. Applying cold to a pain of the abdomen of recent onset can decrease the swelling of a possibly inflamed appendix and help prevent its rupture before surgery can be effected. If heat is applied to an inflamed appendix, it will temporarily relieve pain, but it will also increase the ininflamation and the risk of rupture. Acute swelling from an insect bite or from a bruise or a sprain is best treated with the application of cold. The cold helps to decrease the swelling and decreases the pain and hastens the recovery. If a localized swelling or tenderness lasts three or four days, then recovery will usually be hastened if alternating hot and cold is applied. One is usually safe if he keeps in mind that if the pain or swelling is of recent onset, apply cold; if it is of more than 3 or 4 days duration, apply hot or alternating hot and cold. In receiving or giving water treatments, it is important to avoid

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extremes of cold or heat to the extremities of persons who have poor circulation . This problem is primarily in individuals with diabetes or hardening of the arteries. Water is one of the most abundant and essential substances in nature. Our lives were created dependent upon its proper use. It is one of God’s appointed natural remedies. Knowledge of how to use it properly will benefit us physically, mentally and spiritually. “In health and in sickness, pure water is one of Heaven’s choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system, and assists nature to resist disease.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 419.

55 VIII.

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WILL praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 Certainly, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are the masterpiece of God’s creation. Our many trillions of body cells are like a huge colony of bees, each one industriously working for the common good. Specialized digestive cells produce a variety of enzymes to digest our food while other cells absorb the nutrients into our blood streams. Red blood cells busily carry continuous supplies of fresh oxygen to every part of the body. Muscles cells pump the blood, mix the digesting food, remove the wastes and carry the body from place to place. These and many other types of specialized cells never fully cease their activities to provide for the multiple needs of our body. Just as all effective group activity must be guided and co-ordinated, so must the innumerable activities of our many cells and organs. Billions of nerve cells serve to connect each portion and activity of the body to all others. The nerve cells carry a continuous flow of innumerable messages co-ordinating and regulating the multiple functions of the body. The nerve cells can be considered to form the ruling class amongst the various types of body cells. They serve not only to guide and direct the rest of the cells, but they are also capable of memory, thought, reason, and choice. These marvelous capabilities of the nerve cells place man far above the rest of God’s creation. The ability of the mind to think and to choose are man’s most important functions. All other bodily functions are normally subservient to these. Every other organ of the body is to be servant to the mind. The primary purpose of the body is to provide protection and sustenance to the mind. “To become acquainted with the wonderful human organism, the bones, muscles, stomach, liver, bowels, heart, and pores of the skin, and to understand the dependence of one organ upon another for the healthful action of all, is a study in which most mothers take no interest. They know nothing of the influence of the body upon the mind and of the mind upon the body. The mind, which allies finite to the infinite, they do not 55

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seem to understand. Every organ of the body was made to be servant to the mind. The mind is the capital of the body.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 136 It is in the brain that we feel, hear, taste, smell and see. The other organs such as the eyes, ears and nose serve only as receptors. All emotions are centered in the brain. All meaningful activity and existence depend upon the brain. It is with our minds that we communicate with each other and our brain nerves are the only avenue of communication with God. Who we are and what we are—our character—is determined in our brain. Of all our body organs, our brain is the most vital and important. “The brain nerves which communicate with the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate to man and affect his inmost life.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 347 There are approximately 100 billion nerve cells in our brain, roughly equal to the number of stars in our Milky Way. They communicate with all portions of the body by means of electrical impulses which travel at speeds up to 225 miles per hour. Our brain is only 2% of our body weight, but it uses 20% of the oxygen we breathe and it requires one fifth of the blood our heart pumps. Man has invented electronic computers with amazing capabilities; however, our brain has functions and capabilities that all of the electronic computers of the world functioning together cannot duplicate. How many computers would it take to remember the odor and taste of a fresh, crisp apple on a fall day? The theory of evolution is based on the idea that our many organs have developed over long periods of time due to specific needs. If this were true, then we would expect our organs to have no greater capacity than we use them for. However, our brain has a much greater capactiy than even the wisest individual has ever used. The tremendous unused capacity of the human brain is one of the greatest evidences against the theory of evolution. We would expect such an important organ as the brain to be afflicted by the problem of physical suffering and disease. Satan has done everything possible to disrupt the proper function of the brain and the harmonious relationship between it and the other organs. He bombards man continually with sights, sounds, sensations and emotional experiences which tend to degrade and breakdown the normal healthy functions of the mind. Because of this, thousands suffer from mental illness and millions more suffer physical disease. Inspiration tells us that 90%

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of all disease has its foundation in the mind. “Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 444 Reason, a function of the mind, was intended by our Creator to be the controlling factor in our lives. All body functions and habits were to be subject to the higher powers of the mind. If this plan had been followed, harmful and disease-producing practices and habits would not exist. Sin can be defined as that which is harmful. Sin causes a disruption of the harmonious and health-providing relationships between our various organs and between ourselves and our Creator. Sin dethrones reason, or the mind, as the capital of the body and places other organs as the ruling factor in our lives. Too often our stomach and our appetites rule our lives, and as a result multitudes suffer years of poor health and die prematurely. Passion too often rules man’s life and disease is the result. In spite of the wonderful progress of modern health care, man is still controlled more by appetite, lust, and habit, than he is by knowledge and reason. Too often man’s mind is not permitted to contribute fully to his well-being. We have studied how our lungs, heart, digestive system, muscles, and other organs can contribute to our health. How can our minds improve our physical health? Certainly a subjection of our other organs and our habits of living to our knowledge and reason would be a big help. If we put into practice all that we know about proper breathing, exercise, rest, diet, and the use of water and sunshine, our health would certainly improve. “If the sick and suffering will do only as well as they know in regard to living out the principles of health reform perseveringly, then they will in nine cases out of ten recover from their ailments.” Medical Ministry, 224 The human mind with all its knowledge and reasoning power, of itself, cannot solve the problems of disease and death. For maximum health, our mind is to rule our body, but in turn it must be controlled by divine power. How basic and important is the relationship between human life and divine power? There are at least eight levels or ways by which divine power can affect our physical health. The most basic way in which divine power affects our health is life itself. The physical body supplied with water, air, food, and sunshine is dead, unless it also contains the spark of life. Science will never produce

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life in a laboratory. Man can pass electricity and oxygen through nutrient broths in a test tube, but he will never produce a living, reproducing creature. The spark of life comes only from God. “The power that alone can produce life is from God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 63 The second way in which divine power relates to our health is that the Creator also maintains our body functions. Our every breath and every heart beat is the result of the immediate action of God in our body. “It is not as the result of a mechanism, that, once set in motion, continues its work, that the pulse beats and breath follows breath. In God we live and move and have our being. Every breath, every throb of the heart, is the continual evidence of the power of an ever-present God.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1062 The third way in which divine power relates to our health is that God is constantly working in nature in order to provide us with food, oxygen, water, and sunshine. All nature is under God’s constant care. “Not only is He the originator of all, but He is the life of everything that lives. It is His life that we receive in the sunshine, in the pure, sweet air, in the food which builds up our bodies and sustains our strength. It is by His life that we exist, hour by hour, moment by moment.” Education, 197-198 The fourth way in which divine power relates to our health is that God constantly works within us to build up and restore our bodies. When we are ill or injured, medicine and surgery may help remove the cause or replace the pieces, but only power from God can restore and heal. All healing is a result of divine power. “God’s healing power runs all through nature. If a human being cuts his flesh or breaks a bone, nature at once begins to heal the injury, and thus preserve the man’s life. But man can place himself in a position where nature is trammeled so that she cannot do her work. . . . If tobacco is used, . . . the healing power of nature is weakened to a greater or less extent. . . . When intoxicating liquor is used, the system is not able to resist disease in its original God- given power as a healer. It is God who has made the provision that nature shall work to restore the exhausted powers. The power is of God. He is the great Healer.” Medical Ministry, 11-12 These first four levels of intervention by divine power in man’s life are to a great degree provided to man irrespective of whether or not man mentally is aware of or consciously requests this intervention. Divine power constantly works within us and for us to provide life itself, to

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sustain our body functions, to provide us food, water, sunshine, and air, and to heal us from disease and injury. This is done for the unjust as well as for the just with little or no involvement of their mental powers. A human mind in rebellion against God still receives to a great degree, the help of divine power in the four basic ways. However, such a person’s level of existence is little better than that of the mindless animals. When we once become aware of, and we place our trust in, divine power, we have then the opportunity to experience four higher levels of divine intervention in our physical health. God provides and maintains temporarily the lives of rebellious men and women only because of His hope that they might learn to trust in Him. When man learns to trust in divine power, he really begins to live. When man trusts in divine power, God then intervenes in his life in a fifth way. “Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.” MH 176. Power is provided by God for man to bring all his habits into subjection to his mind, which itself is under the control of God. Order is restored to the human body. Our appetites, passions and desires for those things which are harmful to us are brought into subjection to divinely enlightened reason. Man can again be controlled by his mind rather than by his stomach or other organs. As a result, physical health takes a big step forward. The person who trusts in God also can experience divine power in a sixth way. Pardon and forgiveness of sin is available only from God to those who have faith in Him. “Many are suffering from maladies of the soul far more than from diseases of the body, and they will find no relief until they shall come to Christ, the wellspring of life. Complaints of weariness, loneliness, and dissatisfaction will then cease. Satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and vital energy to the body. . . . The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, lies at the very foundation of a large share of the maladies the sinner suffers. Christ is the mighty healer of the sin-sick soul.” 4T 579. The seventh way divine power benefits man is by providing him daily power to live a life free from spiritual, moral and social sin. Sin results in “. . . grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust” and these, “all tend to breakdown the life forces and to invite decay and death.”

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. . . Forgiveness of past sins and daily power to live above sin provide “courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love” (and, these) “promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. `A merry (rejoicing) heart doeth good like a medicine.’ Proverbs 17:22.” The Ministry of Healing, 241. Yes, freedom from sin—spiritual health—comes from Divine Power and with it physical health takes another big step forward. When man trusts in divine power and he is daily experiencing these seven ways God intervenes in his life, he then has the promise of some day experiencing the eighth and highest level of Divine intervention in his physical health. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4. Yes, trust in divine power opens the door to an eternity free of disease, pain and death. The eighth level is a big step forward for physical health. It is when man has the assurance of an eternity before him that he really begins to live. We must not fail to mention a ninth way that God in His wisdom at times benefits us in our physical health. “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” James 5:14, 15. God is able and at times He has worked marvelous miracles in restoring individuals to health. In approaching God with such a request, we must have our sins confessed and repented of and be fully submitted to His all-knowing wisdom. Our attitude must be that of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will but thine be done.” Luke 22:42. Trust or faith is based on love. Love is based on knowledge. To know God is to love Him. To love Him is to trust Him. To trust Him is life eternal. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3. “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.” The Ministry of Healing, 127 Let us breathe properly of fresh, pure air. Let us expose ourselves and our surroundings to the healthful rays of the sun. Let us abstain from those things which are harmful and use in moderation those items which are healthful. Let us get adequate rest and exercise. Let us par-

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take of a proper diet and use an abundance of pure water. If we do these things, surely we will enjoy better health. But above all, let us use our mind to know and trust in God. Thank Him for the life He has given you. Trust Him for the sustenance of your bodily functions. Trust Him for the material goods to sustain your life. Trust Him for physical healing. Trust God for power to restore your mind to the control of your body. Trust Him for forgiveness of the past and for power to live daily for Him. Finally, use your mind to have faith and trust that God will save you in His eternal kingdom. With full trust in divine power, an eternity with God begins today. Breathe, sunbathe, abstain, rest, exercise, eat, and drink, but above all trust in divine power. For when you trust in divine power, you really begin to live.