Ellen Gould White über: "The Influence of Diet on Character and Victory over Sin"

Mastering appetite is a fundamental prerequisite for gaining spiritual power to triumph over every other temptation of Satan. An improper diet weakens moral abilities and makes it almost impossible to perfect the Christian character or to clearly discern holy things.

Through abstinence and self‑control in eating, the lower passions can be brought under the control of higher spiritual forces, paving the way to sanctification. Since the fall began with appetite, overcoming it at this point is decisive for achieving victory over sin with divine help.

Control over Appetite as the Key to Victory

»The dominating power of appetite will be the ruin of thousands, whereas if it had been conquered at this point, it would have possessed the moral power to achieve victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to their appetite will fail to perfect the Christian character.«

1 - Ellen Gould White, Temperance (Te 21.2)

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Influence of Diet on Moral Abilities

»Through the channel of appetite, passions are inflamed and moral forces are paralyzed, so that parental instruction in the principles of morality and true goodness may reach the ear but does not touch the heart. Even the most dreadful warnings and threats of the Word of God are not powerful enough to rouse the numbed intellect and awaken the wounded conscience.«

2 - Ellen Gould White, Temperance (Te 183.1)

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The Only Hope for Regaining Eden

»Since our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden lies in the decisive denial of appetite and passion. Abstinence in diet and control of all passions will preserve the intellect and grant spiritual and moral strength, enabling people to bring all their inclinations under the control of higher powers and to distinguish between right and wrong, the holy and the everyday.«

3 - Ellen Gould White, Counsels on Health (CH 573.2)

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Simplicity of Food for Controlling Passions

»The less fever‑inducing the diet, the easier the passions can be controlled. The satisfaction of taste should not be pursued without regard to physical, mental, or moral health. ... Meat should not be presented to our children. Its influence lies in arousing and strengthening lower passions, and it tends to dull moral forces.«

4 - Ellen Gould White, Counsels on Health (CH 621.2)

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Connection Between Physical Habits and Spirituality

»Do not let anyone who professes piety view the health of the body with indifference and flatter themselves that indulgence is not a sin and will not affect their spirituality. There is a close sympathy between the physical and moral nature. The standard of virtue is raised or lowered by physical habits.«

5 - Ellen Gould White, Counsels on Health (CH 67.2)

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Overcoming Through Christ's Help

»Adam fell through the satisfaction of appetite; Christ overcame through the denial of appetite. And our only hope of regaining Eden lies in firm self‑control. ... Yet however great the battle may be, it can be overcome. With the help of that divine power which resisted Satan’s fiercest temptations, he too can be completely successful in his fight against evil.«

6 - Ellen Gould White, Counsels on Diet and Foods (CD 167.1)

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