Dear Pacific Union Member:
Two articles in the recent news caught my attention. Both talk about health research which confirms things that have already been revealed by God.
While the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy writings are not primarily focused on health, God does give us guidance on living healthfully. The healthier the body, the clearer the mind, and mental health is crucial if we are to have a growing relationship with God. Who knows the workings of the mind and body better than the Designer/Creator?
Here are a few quotes from the articles, followed in bold by what God has revealed to us:
“The health benefits of regular walking might include helping prevent mental decline and Alzheimer's disease, research in patients age 70 and older has found, bolstering evidence that exercise needn’t be strenuous to be good for you” (Associated Press comment on an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Sept. 22, 2004).
“Can physical activity affect the health of our minds? Hippocrates thought so. He advised melancholy Greeks to get out and walk, and modern science suggests he was on to something. In fact, getting off the couch may help some people as much as Prozac or psychotherapy. … Whether they survey children or adults, researchers find that active people are happier than sofa jockeys, and less prone to depression and suicide” (Newsweek, Sept. 27, 2004, p. 68).
“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” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 78, 1871).
“‘Keep eating your veggies, too,’ could be another mantra, according to a Dutch study showing that Europeans ages 70 to 90 who ate a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil had a 23 percent lower risk of death during a 10-year follow-up, than those with less-healthy eating habits. A 65 percent lower mortality risk was found in those who combined the Mediterranean-style diet with three other healthy habits — moderate alcohol use, no smoking and a half-hour or more per day of physical activity, including walking” (Associated Press comment on an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Sept. 22, 2004).
“In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. … Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator” (Child Guidance, p. 380).
“The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 359).
“Mounting evidence suggests that any number of soothing emotional experiences can improve our physical health. At Duke University, researchers have found that religious observance is associated with lower rates of illness and hospitalization” (Newsweek, Sept. 27, 2004. p. 47).
“Given that heart disease is still the nation’s leading killer, we could all benefit from an ounce of the prophylactic stuff. … even 10 minutes of meditation a day can help with prevention; doctors say consistency of practice is more important than duration” (Newsweek, Sept. 27, 2004, p. 56).
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT).
“Meditation upon heavenly things is profitable, and will ever be accompanied with the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit” (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 317).
“Meditation and earnest prayer will give vigor to the mind and stability to the character” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, p. 432).
We have been reminded again that there is wisdom in following God’s ways.
Sincerely your friend,
Tom Mostert, president
Pacific Union Conference
P.O. Box 5005
Westlake Village, CA 91361
