— Section SIX — 

- CHAPTER NINETEEN -

1 – WE MUST MEET THE PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE

AND BEGIN OUR MINISTRY TO REACH THEIR NEEDS

ON THEIR LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING

To accept people where they are and help any way possible is true ministry (Welfare Ministry, 121). A case where chicken broth was served under Sr. White’s direction because the people were poor and nothing else was available (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 462). Do not make rash movements and urge views on people, but let health reform be presented carefully by education backed up by example (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 462). Do not to advocate advanced steps in health reform without teaching people how to prepare healthful food (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 460), an approach to those whose diet is lacking in proper elements of nutrition (ibid, 474). We must treat new converts tenderly who are pressed with poverty and who have lived largely on a meat diet (ibid, 463).

"The ministry of Christ was in marked contrast to that of the Jewish elders. Their regard for tradition and formalism had destroyed all real freedom of thought or action. They lived in continual dread of defilement. To avoid contact with the ‘unclean,’ they kept aloof, not only from the Gentiles, but from the majority of their own people, seeking neither to benefit them nor to win their friendship. By dwelling constantly on these matters, they had dwarfed their minds and narrowed the orbit of their lives. Their example encouraged egotism and intolerance among all classes of the people.

"Jesus began the work of reformation by coming into close sympathy with humanity. While He showed the greatest reverence for the law of God, He rebuked the pretentious piety of the Pharisees, and tried to free the people from the senseless rules that bound them. He was seeking to break down the barriers which separated the different classes of society, that He might bring men together as children of one family."—The Desire of Ages, 150.

Jesus was social in nature and visited the homes of all classes of society (Desire of Ages, 150-151). We must meet the people where they are and link our interests with humanity (Desire of Ages, 152). Jesus studied how to reach the rich also by taking an interest in them (Ministry of Healing, 24-25). Jesus gained the interest and confidence of the publicans as He ate with them (Desire of Ages, 26). Christ carefully used the talent of speech as He associated with all classes of society and always had a word in due season for every occasion (Welfare Ministry, 286-288). Carefulness in presenting health reform in its most extreme form is needed where circumstances forbid its adoption (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 463). We also need to be careful not to make sweeping statements, but consider circumstances (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 462-463). Do not make isolated ideas a test and criticize others, but practice temperance yourself (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 464).

"We must go no faster than we can take those with us whose consciences and intellects are convinced of the truth we advocate. We must meet the people where they are. Some of us have been many years in arriving at our present position in health reform. It is slow work to obtain a reform in diet. We have powerful appetites to meet; for the world is given to gluttony. If we should allow the people as much time as we have required to come up to the present advanced state in reform, we would be very patient with them, and allow them to advance step by step, as we have done, until their feet are firmly established upon the health reform platform. But we should be very cautious not to advance too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps. In reforms, we would better come one step short of the mark than to go one step beyond it. And if there is error at all, let it be on the side next to the people.

"Above all things, we should not with our pens advocate positions that we do not put to a practical test in our own families, upon our own tables. . . .

"We bear positive testimony against tobacco, spirituous liquors, snuff, tea, coffee, flesh meats, butter, spices, rich cakes, mince pies, a large amount of salt, and all exciting substances used as articles of food.

"If we come to persons who have not been enlightened in regard to health reform, and present our strongest positions at first, there is danger of their becoming discouraged as they see how much they have to give up, so that they will make no effort to reform. We must lead the people along patiently and gradually, remembering the hole of the pit whence we were digged."—Counsels on Diet and Foods, 468-469.

"There is great need of instruction in regard to dietetic reform. Wrong habits of eating and the use of unhealthful food are in no small degree responsible for the intemperance and crime and wretchedness that curse the world."—Ministry of Healing, 146.

"In teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object of reform,—that its purpose is to secure the highest development of body and mind and soul. Show that the laws of nature, being the laws of God, are designed for our good; that obedience to them promotes happiness in this life, and aids in the preparation for the life to come.

"Lead the people to study the manifestation of God’s love and wisdom in the works of nature. Lead them to study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by which it is governed. Those who perceive the evidences of God’s love, who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of His laws, and the results of obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is, an inestimable blessing.

"Every gospel worker should feel that the giving of instruction in the principles of healthful living, is a part of his appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it."—Counsels on Diet and Foods, 457-458.

People are to be taught to lay aside unhealthful practices (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 447). People to be impressed with importance of living up to their knowledge of health reform (Counsels on Health, 441). Present principles of health reform carefully and thoroughly to all (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 449). Do not try to reform by attacking wrong habits of others, but present to them something better than they possess (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 459). Do not urge sudden changes in diet, but hold up the health reform principles and let the Lord lead the honest in heart (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 465). We must teach people patiently; everything cannot be learned at once (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 465).

Romans 6:1-2: Do not continue in a course of sin.

James 4:17: It is sin if we know to do good and don’t do it.

Romans 6:6-23: The old man of sin is crucified with Christ; yield to God.

John 9:41: When light comes, sin is then imputed if light isn’t followed.

John 12:35: "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you."

John 12:42: Some are afraid to confess Christ because of what the religious leaders might do or say to them.

Matthew 10:32-33: If we continue in God’s Word, we are disciples; truth makes us free.

Ecclesiastes 10:17: We should eat for strength and not for drunkenness.

1 Corinthians 10:31: Do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: We should glorify God in our body because it is His temple.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17: God will destroy those who defile the body temple.

Romans 12:1: Our bodies are to be presented as a living sacrifice.

Deuteronomy 14:2-3: God’s chosen people are not to eat any abominable thing.

Exodus 15:26: If we are obedient to His commandments, God will keep us from diseases the world suffers.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: Fear God and keep commandments; this is the whole duty of man.

Revelation 14:12: The saints keep God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 22:14: Those that do His commandments enter the New Jerusalem.

"As we near the close of time, we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance, presenting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive continually to educate the people, not only by our words, but by our practice. Precept and practice combined have a telling influence."—6 Testimonies, 112.

"We have no right to wantonly violate a single principle of the laws of health. Christians should not follow the customs and practices of the world.

"Those who serve God in sincerity and truth will be a peculiar people, unlike the world, separate from the world. Their food will be prepared, not to encourage gluttony or gratify a perverted taste, but to secure to themselves the greatest physical strength, and consequently the best mental conditions. . . .

"Our faith requires us to elevate the standard of reform, and take advanced steps. The condition of our acceptance with God is a practical separation from the world. The Lord calls upon us as a people, ‘Come out from among them, and be ye separate,’ ‘and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.’ The world may despise you because you do not meet their standard, engage in their dissipating amusements, and follow their pernicious ways; but the God of heaven promises to receive you, and to be a Father unto you. ‘Ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.’ 2 Corinthians 6:17-18."—Counsels on Health, 50-51.

"The mind must be trained through daily tests to habits of fidelity, to a sense of the claims of right and duty above inclination and pleasure. Minds thus trained do not waver between right and wrong, as the reed trembles in the wind; but as soon as matters come before them, they discern at once that principle is involved and they instinctively choose the right without long debating the matter. They are loyal because they have trained themselves to habits of faithfulness and truth."—3 Testimonies, 22.

"In your association with unbelievers, do not allow yourselves to be swerved from right principles. If you sit at their table, eat temperately and only of food that will not confuse the mind. Keep clear of intemperance. You cannot afford to weaken your mental or physical powers, lest you become unable to discern spiritual things. Keep your mind in such a condition that God can impress it with the precious truths of His Word. . . . Do not watch others in order to point out their faults or errors. Teach by example. Let your self-denial and your victory over appetite be an illustration of obedience to right principles. Let your life bear witness to the sanctifying, ennobling influence of truth."—Counsels on Diet and Foods, 464-465.

"To all hygienic reformers I would say, Live up strictly to the convictions of your own enlightened mind. Be not led into indulgence by the entreaties of friends. Live the reform at home; and when you go abroad, carry it with you. Live it, and at proper times, in proper places, and in a proper manner, talk its principles. Ever hold on your way, and by all proper means labor to impress those around you with the importance of the subject."—Counsels on Health, 447.

"In reaching this decision, the Hebrew youth did not act presumptuously, but in firm reliance upon God. They did not choose to be singular, but they would be so rather than dishonor God. Should they compromise with wrong in this instance by yielding to the pressure of circumstances, their departure from principle would weaken their sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. The first wrong step would lead to others, until, their connection with Heaven severed, they would be swept away by temptation."—Prophets and Kings, 483.

Read Prophets and Kings, 481-483, regarding Daniel and the three Hebrew worthies.

"True brotherhood can never be maintained by compromising principle. . . . The opposition of the children of disobedience is excited by a Christianity that is spiritual. At this crisis is the time to decide who are God’s faithful servants, who will be true to principles, who will bear in mind that truth is too dearly purchased for its least principle to be surrendered. That peace and harmony which are secured by mutual concessions to avoid all differences of opinion are not worthy of the name. On points of feeling between man and man, concessions should sometimes be made; but never should one iota of principle be sacrificed to obtain harmony."—Review and Herald, January 16, 1900.

"Jesus Himself never purchased peace by compromise. His heart overflowed with love for the whole human race, but He was never indulgent to their sins. . . . No man can be true to principle without exciting opposition. A Christianity that is spiritual will be opposed by the children of disobedience."—The Desire of Ages, 356.

We are to give the world a pure representation of Christ (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 459). Carefully present the light on health reform and set the right example (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 462). Sr. White always made the table an object lesson of health reform (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 472-473). Customs and appetites bring disease bequeathed by our ancestors (Counsels on Health, 49). The world is no criterion for us; strict temperance in all things is required (Counsels on Health, 51). Each man is to think and act for himself, and look to God for wisdom (Counsels on Health, 48). Any course which decreases our physical health is a sin against God (Counsels on Health, 43). One must be sincere; insincerity in the truth is fatal (Counsels on Health, 34-35). We have no time or strength to spend in indulging appetite (Counsels on Health, 128). We will suffer the consequences if we dwarf or cripple any function of the body (Counsels on health, 107). Love of the world, appetite, and presumption are the three great temptations (Counsels on Health, 287-288). If religious principles govern, danger of committing great errors is small (Counsels on Health, 288). Our influence is either leading others upward or downward (Counsels on Health, 421). We little realize the influence we exert over others day by day (Counsels on Health, 413). The canvasser, when staying in homes, can set a good example for health reform by not eating meat or other harmful things (Counsels on Health, 463). Continual backsliding in health reform is a cause of low spirituality and has erected barriers (Counsels on Health, 578-579). If Seventh-day Adventists practiced health reform, it would indeed be a spectacle to the world, and we would show greater zeal for the salvation of lost souls (Counsels on Health, 575). Those who don’t overcome appetite will fail of perfecting 

Christian character (Counsels on Health, 574). If ever there is a necessity of a simple diet, it is now (Counsels on Health, 622). This world is a training school for the higher school in the hereafter (Counsels an Health, 581). Our example in health reform is more powerful than our preaching it (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 141).

"One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform, as its stands connected with the third angel’s message, as a part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth."—Counsels on Diet and Foods, 74.

"Our ministers should become intelligent upon this question. They should not ignore it, nor be turned aside by those who call them extremists. Let them find out what constitutes true health reform, and teach its principles, both by precept and by a quiet, consistent example."—Temperance, 499.

Ministers should become intelligent on health reform and lead the people higher, and still higher, in the work of reform (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 452). Presidents of our conferences should take the right side on this question (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 452-453). Had ministers taken hold of this truth, there would have been a most decided reformation in eating, drinking, and dressing (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 453). No man is to be set apart as a leader or teacher of the people while his own life contradicts God’s counsel on health reform (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 453-454). Those who stand aloof from teaching the people on this question are not following where the Great Physician leads the way (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 454). Ministers must be strictly temperate in eating and drinking, or they will take all the force from the message they bear (Counsels on Health, 575). Men preaching this message should be examples to the people in eating, drinking, conversation, and deportment (Counsels on Health, 572-573). The more responsible the position, the greater the influence for right or wrong (Counsels on Health, 614).

In the matter of leading the people to the standard of Jesus, we should exercise caution and bring them to new truths slowly and only as they are prepared to receive them. If there must be error let it always be on the side of the people. It is always better to stop one step short of the mark than to go one step beyond it. God’s plan for teaching health reform to others who know it not seems to be (1) a consistent example ourselves and, (2) when inquiries are made as to our reason for the stand we take, we have an opportunity to bring the principles to the front.

It is clear that as far as our personal adherence to the standard, nothing should ever allow us to deviate—neither time nor place, custom, friends, relatives, or enemies. Our own spiritual connection with heaven and our most powerful testimony—our example—will be determined by that adherence.

She took not one step backward; instead, she broke away from meat, butter, and three meals when the light came (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 483). She did not advance any extreme view, but advocated a healthful, nourishing diet (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 484). If determined to overcome, the Lord will heal and strengthen (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 485). She ate enough to satisfy the wants of nature, but the appetite was keen when she left the table as when she came (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 485-486). She always served enough simple healthful food for all who came (Counsels on Health, 486). She did not hold herself criterion for others. Her table was set twice a day; but, if some desired something to eat in the evening, they were not forbidden (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 491). She practiced a two-meal plan for thirty five years, as she wrote in 1903 (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 490). No butter, meat, cheese, or greasy mixtures of food were on her table (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 491). Reports, that she hadn’t lived up to the health reform principles, were not true (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 491-492). She refused to place in her stomach any combinations producing fermentation (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 493). Light given to her was by the Lord; she never made a raid upon anyone in regard to the table or its contents (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 493). She tried to learn what was best for her, and partook of it quietly (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 493-494). She carefully guarded against any habit which lessened the powers of the intellect (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 492).

We must not violate our standards when we are with others.

Fashionable visiting is often an occasion of gluttony (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 88). Christians should not be such slaves to fashion and appetite (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 232). The purpose of visiting with others is to be a blessing, not to indulge appetite (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 88). Some have an inadequate diet for their own family, so that they can have an excess for visitors (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 180). There needs to be greater simplicity in entertaining; the needs of the family should have first attention (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 89). Elaborate feasts for guests is a burden on the wife and an injury to the stomach (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 132). The negative effects of such elaborate entertaining on one’s own children (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 202). Wholesome, nutritious, and simple food can be prepared for visitors (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 88-89). The only times that Sister White ate any unhealthful food with others was when everything on the table was unhealthful, and she had to eat a little something to sustain life (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 257). Cultivate self-control; restrain appetite (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 176). Few have moral stamina to resist temptation; they imagine they are hungry when the desire of the mind has not been fortified with firm principle (4 Testimonies, 574). We can do medical missionary work by eating and drinking to glory of God (Manuscript 93, 1901).

"As we near the close of time, we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance, presenting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive continually to educate the people, not only by our words, but by our practice. Precept and practice combined have a telling influence." —6 Testimonies, 112

"Our faith requires us to elevate the standard of reform, and take advanced steps. The condition of our acceptance with God is a practical separation from the world. The Lord calls upon us as a people, ‘Come out from among them, and be ye separate." —Counsels on Health, 50-51

"We have no right to wantonly violate a single principle of the laws of health. Christians should not follow the customs and practices of the world.

"As we near the close of time, we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance, presenting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive continually to educate the people, not only by our words, but by our practice. Precept and practice combined have a telling influence." —6 Testimonies, 112

"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."—Ministry of Healing, 276

- CHAPTER TWENTY -

"Those who have excluded the air from their sleeping rooms, should begin to change their course immediately. They should let in air by degrees, and increase its circulation until they can bear it in winter and summer, with no danger of taking cold."—Counsels on Health 57-58.

"The sickroom, if possible, should have a draft of air through it, day and night. The draft should not come directly upon the invalid. While burning fevers are raging, there is but little danger of taking cold. But special care is needful when the crisis comes, and the fever is passing away."—Counsels on Health, 56.

"The electric power of the brain, promoted by mental activity, vitalizes the whole system, and is thus an invaluable aid in resisting disease."—Education, 197.

"Imagination is active; they expect to take cold, and they will have it."—Counsels on Health, 97.

"Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold, and will give energy to the nervous system."—Counsels on Health, 54.

"Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven . . . is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestion of the brain and lungs . . . and an hundred other diseases."—Healthful Living, 210.

"Drug takers are never well. They are always taking cold, which causes extreme suffering, because of the poison all through their systems."—Healthful Living, 209.