GOD’S

PLAN FOR
HEALTHY
LIVING
“I have come that they may have
life, and that they may have it
more abundantly.”
John 10:10 (NKJV)
WORSHIP AND TRUE LIVING

God is our Creator, He created man from sounding on the earth.’” (Tawrat, Genesis 1:26). “It is he
clay and bestowed upon him the gift of physical who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the
soundness, a perfect health from a perfect God. earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above
God also bestowed all the resources upon him for others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath
his physical sustenance. “And God said, ‘See, I have given you”. (Al An’am 6:165).
given you every herb that yields seed which is on
the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit God is interested in man’s overall well-being, not
yields seed; to you it shall be for food.’” (Tawrat, just the physical. He fashioned us and breathed
Genesis 1:29). As far as Nabi Adam’s (as) eyes into us of His spirit. He owns our whole being. God
could see, was the abundance of God’s blessings. provided not only the bounty of physical food but
“We said: ‘O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the also the spiritual guidance for our salvation. “O ye
garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good;
ye will.’” (Al Baqara 2:35). and do not follow the footsteps of the Evil One, for
he is to you an avowed enemy.” (Al Baqara 2:168).
He created man to have dominion over His
creation to be God’s overseer. For this purpose God calls us, His believers to be grateful: “For
he entrusted them with trust (amanah) and moral everything God created is good, and nothing is to
responsibility: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” (Injil,
in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them 1 Timothy 4:4). It is also written in the Honorable
have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the Qur’an “O ye who believe! Eat of the good things
birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the that We have provided for you, and be grateful to
earth and over every creeping thing that creeps God. If it is Him ye worship.” (Al Baqara 2:172).

Adventists & Healthy Living 3

KEYS TO A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD

God has sent down clear guidance for healthy living. your God, walking in his ways, and observing his
Here are some of the key principles: commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then
you shall live and become numerous.” (Tawrat
1. Be mindful of God’s nearness. Deuteronomy 30:15-16).
God is “ever-near”, nearer to us than our own
jugular veins. He has put in our nostrils his breath Being healthy, of course, has many advantages and
of life, and has made our bodies the dwelling place enables individuals to be able to better serve others.
of his spirit (ruh). Don’t you know that God placed In summary, remember that: “Whatever a man sows
his Holy Spirit in your hearts? Don’t your bodies in he will also reap.” (Injil, Galatians 6:7, HCSB).
this way become the House of God? You must honor 3. Nutrition matters.
God with your body. (see Injil, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Whole, unrefined, plant-based foods make up a large
2. Learn to chose what is right. part of a healthful diet “…and from it (the earth) we
God encourages all the believers to live healthy produced grain for their sustenance.” (Ya-sin 36:33).
lives, but He also gave us faculties to decide. God Some from the “People of the Book” particularly,
does not work by force, but rather by invitation and the Adventists avoid alcohol and don’t eat pork
wise decisions. meat; they avoid meats in general, but if they do
consume it, it tends to be sparingly and infrequently,
“See, I have set before you today life and and they eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and
prosperity, and death and adversity; if you obey whole grains. Most also consume some milk
the commandments of the Lord your God that I products and eggs, but they tend to use these items
am commanding you today, by loving the Lord moderately as well. “…There is from among them

4 Adventists & Healthy Living

“You will show me
the path of life.”
Psalms 16:11 (NKJV)
“Therefore, whether you eat or
drink, or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
a party on the right course…” (Al Ma’ida 5:69). The and date palms, and crops of different shape
principle of eating healthy foods is best explained in and taste (its fruit and its seeds) and olives,
the following statement: “Grains, fruits, nuts, and and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and
vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our different (in taste). Eat of the fruit when they
Creator.”(Tawrat, Genesis 1:29). ripen…” (Al An’am 6:141). A vegetarian diet is
to be preferred, but eating meat is a matter
A well-known Adventist religious leader wrote: “These of choice. “He created cattle that give you
foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner warmth, benefits and food to eat.” (16:5) Fish
as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing”. is a healthier alternative to cattle meat “It is
In summary, “So whether you eat or drink, or he who subdued the seas, from which you eat
whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” fresh fish.” (16:14) Today, many are following a
(Injil, 1 Corinthians 10:31), a similar idea to the Muslim meat-free diet for health reasons but those who
tradition of saying “Bismillah… (in the name of choose to eat meat must follow the guidelines
Allah)” before eating. These guiding principles have of clean meats according to the laws of God
blessed the Adventists people for over 150 years. in the time of Nabi Musa (AS) as recorded in
So, before you decide what to eat, be mindful of: the Taurat (Leviticus 11) (i.e., fish with scales,
poultry, beef, lamb). Most Adventists also
• The remembrance of God’s blessings through incorporate into their meals a variety of meat
prayer. “O ye who believe! Eat of the good alternates, such as veggie burgers, nut loaf,
things that We have provided for you, and be tofu, and other plant protein foods available
grateful to God. If it is Him ye worship.” (Al through health food stores, Adventist Book
Baqara 2:172) “And when your Lord proclaimed, Centers, and community markets. An increasing
‘If you give thanks, I will give you more; but if number of Adventists follow a vegan diet that
you are thankless, Lo! My punishment is dire.’” is entirely plant-based. A plant-based diet is not
(Ibrahim 14:7) only healthy for an individual, but is now also
recognized as healthier for our planet.
• Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables,
preferably fresh or frozen: “And it is He who • Choosing primarily whole-grain breads and
produces gardens trellised and untrellised, cereals instead of white bread, white rice, and

Adventists & Healthy Living 7

 foods made from refined grains. Examples of peaches, tangerines, and dates. Instead of
whole-grain foods include oats, whole-wheat sugar-sweetened drinks, choose pure fruit
bread, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, and quinoa. juices, such as grape juice, orange juice, cane
sugar, or mango juice.
• Eating legumes often, including lentils, beans,
split peas, soy, tofu, and hummus. • Limiting salt and high-sodium foods. While
this may be a new concept for many, it’s an
• Including nuts and seeds daily in the diet. increasingly popular one for those interested in
Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame optimum nutrition.
seeds, caraway, flax meal, peanuts, almond
butter, and peanut butter are a few of the • Fasting. Fasting can help to improve blood fat
many options. levels, detoxicate the body and make us more
aware of the presence of God.
• Eating a healthful breakfast every day, and keep
evening meals moderate in calories. 4. We were meant to move.

• Using dairy foods (whole milk, kefir, cheese, Being physically active is an important part of health
yogurt, cream, eggs, and butter) moderately. and can include a variety of activities, such as brisk
Many individuals opt for soy, almond or other walking, biking, swimming, jogging, active sports,
types of milk (preferably fortified with calcium strength training, playing with one’s family, or
and B12). “In cattle too you have a worthy bowing down before God in worship. Also, instead
lesson. We give you to drink that which is in their of sitting for prolonged amounts of time, take
bellies, between the undigested food and blood: frequent breaks to walk or stretch. Nabi Ilyas (as)
pure milk, a pleasant beverage for those who was so fit that he outrun for fourteen miles the evil
drink it.” (An Nahl 16:66). King Ahab in his chariot (see Tawrat, 1 Kings 18:46).
The following statement on physical activity has
• Limiting sugar, soft drinks, and sweets. Enjoy given guidance for Adventists for more than 100
nature’s sweets, such as berries, pineapple, years: “When the weather will permit, all who can

8 Adventists & Healthy Living

 “When the weather will
permit, all who can
possibly do so ought to
walk in the open air every
day, summer and winter.”
Counsels on Health, 52
“Beloved, I pray that you may
prosper in all things and
be in health, just as your
soul prospers.”
3 John 1:2 (NKJV)
possibly do so ought to walk in the open air every spend all your time playing. Eat good foods, but in
day, summer and winter.” healthy portions. Don’t sit too much, don’t watch
too much TV, and don’t spend too much time
5. Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs playing computer games. Moderation keeps life in
harm health. balance, away from extremes.
Adventists believe it is their duty to avoid those 7. Wellness requires rest.
things that clearly destroy health (such as smoking)
or things that adversely influence the mind or cloud The night time is originally God’s intended time for
judgment (such as drugs or alcohol). “And do not rest while the day time is for work “He is the One
put yourselves by your hands into destruction.” who made for you the night so that you may rest
(Al Baqara 2:195). For millions of people drinking in it, and the day with light; most surely in these
coffee is a favorite past time and yet, caffeine should are signs for the people who hear.” (Yunus 10:67)
be discouraged, as it can become addictive and To be productive and to enjoy good physical and
damaging to health. Although the neither the Tawrat, mental health, everyone needs periods of rest and
Injil, nor the Qur’an do specifically prohibit drinking relaxation, as well as an adequate amount of sleep
coffee, they give us clear guidance: “Everything (at least seven to eight hours each night for adults,
is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. and more for children).
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is A life of rest also involves taking at least one day
edifying.” (Injil, 1 Corinthians 10:23), or “Eat and drink, off a week to rest and recuperate; to connect with
but do not be extravagant.” (Al Araf 7:31). one’s family and friends, and to spend time with
6. Follow the principle of moderation. God. According to the law that the Almighty sent
down to Nabi Musa (as) we ought to “Remember
Moderation involves avoiding things that are the seventh-day (Sabbath), to keep it holy. Six days
harmful and being sensible in things that are good. you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh
Work a healthy amount of hours, but don’t be a day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall
workaholic. Take time for recreation, but don’t not do any work.” (Tawrat Exodus 20:8-10). Similarly,
Adventists & Healthy Living 11
according to the Qur’an the seventh day is also a optimum health. Thus, it is important to develop
day to remember because, God created the world healthy habits not just for your body, but also
in six days, and on the next day (seventh day), he for your mind and spirit. Whole-person health
ascended to his throne. (see Al Ar’af 7:54). includes habits such as limiting stress, developing
good coping strategies, being hopeful and
8. A healthy environment is a key ingredient for
optimistic, spending time in prayer and meditation,
good health.
volunteering in the community, developing
Some of the best ways to prevent disease are good relationships, strengthening family life,
simple: wash your hands, keep your body and showing compassion, and demonstrating love and
clothes clean, keep kitchen and food preparation forgiveness. Reciting verses from the Word of God
areas clean and free of germs, and maintain a is always a free option with maximum benefits
clean, sanitary living area. Also, it is essential to “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, the hearts are
have uncontaminated drinking water and proper at ease.” (Ar Ra’d13:28).
sanitation and disposal of waste. Adventists
10. Regular medical care helps protect health.
emphasize water as the best beverage option,
rather than sugar-sweetened drinks. Sunshine is Even when it seems you’ve done everything right,
also beneficial to health, but take it in moderate it’s still possible to break an arm, get an infection, or
doses to avoid skin cancer. Helping keep our develop a chronic health problem. Getting regular
environment clean and unpolluted, including the medical care, including exams and preventive
air we breathe, is an essential component of good checks, is an important aspect of healthy living. This
health for all. also includes regular dental checkups and teeth
9. Health involves the whole person cleanings, along with daily brushing and flossing.
We must also strive to encourage and support
Like Muslims, Adventists believe that physical, others on this journey, maintaining a an attitude
mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of life must that allows people to choose, learn, and adopt
all work together in a balanced way to achieve healthier living practices as God leads.

12 Adventists & Healthy Living

“The Lord will give strength to
His people; The Lord will bless
His people with peace.”
Psalms 29:11 (NKJV)
 “I will
praise You, for
I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; Marvelous
are Your works, And that my
soul knows very well.”
Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)
SUMMARY

1. Show gratitude to God by taking good care of 7. Get adequate sleep (seven to eight hours a night
your body and soul—God has placed in your heart for adults, and more for children and youth), and
his spirit. take off work at least one day a week to rest and
strengthen family and spiritual ties.
2. Healthy living is a form of worhip.
8. Get adequate sunshine, clean water, and pure air;
3. Eat healthy meals, emphasizing whole, and commit to good sanitation and preserving a
plantbased foods (fruits, vegetables, whole healthy environment.
grains, nuts, and legumes), and limit highly
refined foods and foods high in saturated fat and 9. Embrace wholistic living: engage in healthy
cholesterol. relationships, have a hopeful outlook on life,
balance stress with relaxation, be grateful and
4. Be physically active every day, when possible. optimistic, practice prayer and meditation,
5. Avoid smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, and give time in unselfish service, and show love
other harmful substances. and forgiveness in daily life. “Be ye foremost in
seeking forgiveness… (Al Hadid 57:21).
6. Practice moderation in work, play, screen time,
and eating. 10. Get regular medical and dental care, including
preventive exams.

Adventists & Healthy Living 15

COME TO ME, THOSE WHO ARE WEARY…

More than two thousand years ago a sick woman talking as one of them, he was speaking about a
came to see Isa, ibn Maryam (as). She had been touch of faith. The woman was wrong to think that
sick for twelve years and had used all the money the clothes of the honorable Isa al Masih (as) had
she with doctors and medicines that did not help especial powers, but she had faith that he could
her. She had heard that he had healed a blind man heal her and because of her faith, he did.
by creating new eyes, raised a child from the dead
and returned her to her grieving parents, cast away Shyly, the woman came forward and told her story
spirits (jinn ) which cause a pour child to fall in the of suffering, defilement and shame. From the lips of
fire, and healed 12 men with leprosy. Hiding under the Master, words of life came to her: “Daughter,
a cloak, she came from where he could not see her, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be
and gently touched his clothes. Isa ibn Maryam freed from your suffering.” No longer she was a
(as) loved her, and healing came from him. But he defiled woman, but a daughter of Nabi Ibrahim and
wanted not just to release her from her physical beloved of God.
suffering, but invite her to experience peace (salam)
If you are experiencing suffering, sickness or
as a complete person again.
confusion as to how to chose the right things, Isa
Turning towards her, and without wanting to shame al Masih (as), who has the power to heal, has these
her, he kindly asked: “who has touched me?” words for you: “Come to me, all of you who are
People were amazed, in such a crowd how could weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you
he asked, who has touched me? But he was not rest”. (Injil Matthew 11:28). Are you coming too?

16 Adventists & Healthy Living

“Or do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,
whom you have from God, and you are not
your own? For you were bought at a price;
therefore glorify God in your body
and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)
 “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing;
therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants
might live. That you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, that you may cling to Him,
for He is your LIFE and the length of your days.”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NKJV)

Adventists & Healthy Living 19