For a Healthy Life Note: The following guidelines are not considered principle beliefs of Seventh-Day Adventists, but are suggestions that we hold. They are not considered requirements to be a Seventh-Day Adventist but they are encouraged to be followed for a happier, healthier life. Many of them are supported by Scripture.
There are a number of health rules that Adventists follow which are taken both from Scripture as well as the inspired writings of Ellen White. They are meant to help you live a healthier life, but the extent of to which they are followed is entirely a personal choice. The Health Message
Obviously, everyone knows how important exercise is for your health. Without exercise, your body and mind quickly become weaker and less able to complete tasks which are necessary for life. As Ellen White wrote, "When the brain is constantly taxed, while the other organs are left inactive, there is a loss of physical and mental strength. The physical powers are robbed of their healthy tone, the mind loses its freshness and vigor, and a morbid excitability is the result."(Messages to Young People, pg. 239) Exercise
Seventh-Day Adventists generally stay away from all forms of alcohol. However, the small amount of alcohol in some medicines and other products do not concern us. Our bodies were created by God and, as such, are his property. Therefore, we should take care of God's property (ourselves), just like we treat our own things. In Ephesians 5:18, it says, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Thus, even though wine may be permissible in some portions of the Bible, getting drunk through wine is strictly prohibited. It benumbs the mind and, as anyone should know, removes your inhibitions, causing you to do and act contrary to your faith. Another major concern about alcohol is the physical consequences on your body. Not only does alcohol effect you mentally, it also damages your body physically. Alcohol is a poison. Beer and such is the only type of alcohol you can drink without dying! Why put your body through that? As everyone knows, alcohol destroys the liver! To live a better and healthier life, the prudent thing to do would be to abstain from alcohol or at least use it with moderation. Alcohol
Even though Scripture does not specifically forbid drugs, the same arguments against alcohol prove true for drugs as well. Who hasn't heard about someone destroyed by drugs? Drugs react differently for each person so a drug might even kill you! Even to a greater extent than alcohol, drugs remove inhibitions and send you into wild hallucinations. Who knows what you might do in that state. Over time, the need for more and stronger drugs becomes paramount in the drug-takers life. Eventually, there is no turning back and the only way out can be death. Your body is a temple of God and we need to take care of it accordingly. Drugs
Food is a whole other area of health that is greatly ignored. First, many foods out on the market right now are very high in fat and cholesterol and lead to heart attacks, obesity and many other diseases. All foods high in fat such as hamburgers, french fries, potato chips, etc. should be used moderately. Healthy living has always been important to Seventh-Day Adventists, but we don't fanatically abstain from all fried foods, etc. Used moderately, these foods won't overly damage your health. Second, the Bible message on clean and unclean foods is ignored by most people throughout the world. Probably the most popular meat around is pepperoni. Sausage is also a popular meat. However, Scripture clearly defines what meats are clean and unclean. In Leviticus 11, Scripture spells out exactly what to eat and not to eat. The rule for animals that live on land is, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud." There are some animals in this chapter that most people would definitely not eat such as the camel or coney (rock badger). Scripture forbids the eating of these animals because they only satisfy one part of the rule that God gave. Similarly, the pig has a split hoof completely divided, but does not chew the cud. Therefore, it is unclean and unfit for our consumption. Amazingly, pork is the most widely used meat, but it is also the most dangerous. God knew what he was doing when he gave these rules to us. Pigs easily contract trichinosis from worms and this can easily lead to sickness and even death. Leviticus 11 goes on to give rules for animals in the sea. Verse 9 says, "...you may eat any that have fins and scales." This includes most fish such as salmon and bass, etc. This excludes bottom-feeders such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and shellfish such as clams and oysters. The Lord says, "But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales--whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water--you are to detest." The chapter continues with warnings against unclean birds, insects, and animals that move along the ground. Among birds no specific rule is given, but it does give unclean birds. "These are the birds you are to detest and not eat...:the eagle, the vulture, ....any kind of raven, the white owl....etc." With insects, all flying insects that walk on all fours are unclean. But, winged creatures that hop on the ground are not unclean. These include the grasshopper, locust, katydid, and cricket. Animals that move along the ground are detestable. These include: the weasel, the rat, any lizards, the skink, and the chameleon. When deciding what foods you will eat, keep in mind God's rules for healthy living and you will be blessed accordingly with healthy vigor and long life. Food
Seventh-Day Adventists believe in the sanctity of marriage as put forth in Scripture. However, we do not disfellowship or turn away members who have, for some reason or another, separated from their spouse. Marriage
Too often, passion takes over the mind and, when it leads to marriage, can often become a stumbling block to the marriage relation. God created marriage and sex perfectly. Man has perverted it. Many times, people don't look to the future when contemplating marriage. Can you support your family? If you have children, will they be taken care of, or will they be a burden on the rest of your family? First, you should put aside your lustful passions and ask the Holy Spirit if what you are feeling is true love, or just infatuation. Then, ask yourself if your future spouse is worthy. Will he or she help you in your life with God or will they draw you away from Him. Also, you should never marry one who does not share your belief in God. You may think that you can change their minds. It never works that way. Only the opposite. If you persist in your relationships with unbelievers, you will most likely grow to become an unbeliever. Above all, look to God and ask Him for guidance. He knows all and can help you in anything you ask of Him. The Importance of Good Judgement in Marriage
Christian education prepares children for the hard road ahead. Above all, children must be taught about God. When taught the truth about the Lord and His teachings, they will have a strong basis of beliefs that can stand up to any contrary teachings. The greatest genius in the whole world will not be saved if he doesn't have a knowledge of the wonderful Jesus Christ. Have an all-around education for life. Besides just studying the sciences and such, the Bible and the Lord should be foremost in the teaching of today's youth. Education
Prayer and Bible study are the greatest tools that every Christian can have. Both are defenses against evil. Through prayer, we bring ourselves into harmony with God. By constantly lifting up our hearts to God asking for strength and help, He will always be with us and we will be protected from temptation through the Holy Spirit. Every sincere prayer will be answered. Bible study is also a great tool. There is a never-ending source of learning and inspiration in the Bible. If you immerse yourself in studying the Bible you will learn many great truths that would otherwise never arise in your life. By studying the Bible on your own, without pastor or priest, you will have the full truth before you that no one can translate differently for their own aims. As you discover new truths in the Word, new avenues of learning will be opened to you that you never knew were there. Study the Scriptures daily and your life will be blessed for it. Devotion and Bible Study
Swearing is a great problem in today's society. Most often, swearing includes taking God's name in vain. Scripture is clearly against such talk. In James 5:12, it says, "But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgement." Also, James 3: 8-10 says, "But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." Even more evidence against swearing is found in Matthew 12: 36-37. Jesus Himself spoke these words. He said, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account for it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Most importantly, taking God's name in vain is what the 3rd commandment of the Ten Commandments is all about. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." Swearing
