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A Sound Mind in a Sound Body, September 21
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway.
1 Corinthians 9:27
.
Whatever detracts from physical vigor weakens mental effort. Hence,
every practice unfavorable to the health of the body should be resolutely
shunned.... We cannot maintain consecration to God, and yet injure our
health by the willful indulgence of a wrong habit. Self-denial is one of
the conditions, not only of admission into the service of Christ but of
continuance therein....
Yet how many who call themselves Christians are unwilling to exercise
self-denial, even for Christ’s sake. How often the love for some pernicious
indulgence is stronger than the desire for a sound mind in a sound body!
Precious hours of probation are spent, God-given means squandered, to
please the eye or to gratify the appetite....
None need fail in this work of self-renunciation. God will give help
to every earnest seeker.... If we sincerely seek His grace, our life will
correspond with our profession of faith.... He knows whether our hearts are
wholly devoted to His service, or given to the things of the world. We may
profess what we will, but unless our life corresponds with our profession,
our faith is dead. The rule given by the apostle Paul is the only safe rule
for our guidance in all the affairs of life. “Whether ... ye eat, or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
. In the
selection of our food, we should not seek merely to please the taste, but
should choose that which is most healthful. In dress, we should seek that
which is simple, comfortable, convenient, and appropriate.
He who will observe simplicity in all his habits, restricting the appetite
and controlling the passions, may preserve his mental powers strong,
active, and vigorous, quick to perceive everything which demands thought
or action, keen to discriminate between the holy and the unholy, and
ready to engage in every enterprise for the glory of God and the benefit of
humanity.
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