What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "The Mastery of Appetite as Part of Sanctification"
Answer
The mastery of appetite is an essential prerequisite for sanctification, as there is a close connection between physical health and spiritual perception. Whoever does not control his desires weakens his moral strength and hinders the Holy Spirit from enlightening the mind to holy truths. True sanctification therefore includes the entire lifestyle, including healthy eating habits, in order to present the Lord with a pure body as a living sacrifice.
Sanctification as a Living Principle in Daily Life
»Sanctification is not merely a theory, an emotion, or a form of words, but a living, active principle that flows into daily life. It requires that our habits of eating, drinking, and clothing be such that the preservation of physical, mental, and moral health is ensured, so that we can present our bodies to the Lord—not as a sacrifice corrupted by false habits, but as “a living, holy, God‑pleasing sacrifice”.«
Victory over Appetite as the Basis of Christian Character
»Those who overcome as Christ has overcome must constantly guard themselves against Satan's temptations. Appetite and passions should be restrained and placed under the control of an enlightened conscience... Those who are slaves to their appetite will fail to perfect their Christian character. The dominating power of appetite will lead to the ruin of thousands, whereas if they had triumphed at this point, they would have possessed the moral power to win victory over any other temptation of Satan.«
Appetite as an Obstacle to the Sanctification of the Soul
»We must learn that an unrestrained appetite is the greatest obstacle to spiritual improvement and the sanctification of the soul. In all our confession to health reform, many of us eat improperly. The indulgence of appetite is the main cause of physical and mental weakness and largely underlies frailty and premature death. Whoever seeks purity of spirit should consider that in Christ lies the power to master appetite.«
Raising the Moral Standard through Self‑Control
»Wherever they may be, those who are truly sanctified will raise the moral standard by preserving correct physical habits and, like Daniel, give others an example of temperance and self‑denial. Every perverted desire becomes a warlike craving. Anything that conflicts with the laws of nature creates a sick condition of the soul. The indulgence of appetite produces a corrupted stomach, a sluggish liver, a clouded brain and thus spoils the temperament and spirit of man.«
The Necessity of Self‑Control for Spiritual Strength
»It is impossible for you to increase spiritual strength as long as your appetite and passions are not under perfect control. The inspired apostle says: “I subdue my body and tame it, so that I do not preach to others and become reprehensible myself.” ... Oh, how many stand so low on the scale of spirituality because they do not want to deny their appetite! The nerve energy of the brain is numbed and almost paralyzed by overeating.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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