Disease is not typically a result of divine providence or an arbitrary act of God, but is rather the sure consequence of violating the laws of health and nature (TSDF 181.2). Many people mistakenly attribute their physical suffering to God's will, when in reality, their own wrong habits and reckless disregard for the laws of their being have produced the deplorable state of their health (TSDF 172). Every misuse of the human organism is a violation of the law God designed to govern humanity, leading to ruined constitutions and premature decay (HL 24).
A primary cause of disease is the lack of physical activity, which prevents the blood from circulating freely and hinders the necessary life-giving changes within the body (MH 238.1). When the skin and circulation become inactive due to idleness, impurities are not properly expelled, and the lungs are often deprived of fresh air (1MCP 116.3). This inactivity forces the excretory organs to bear a double burden, eventually resulting in a breakdown of the system (MH 238.1).
Dietary habits and the lack of self-control regarding appetite also serve as significant foundations for numerous physical difficulties (MM 225). Overeating is a common sin that burdens the entire system, causing man to exhaust his vital forces simply to process an excess of food (CD 131). Furthermore, the use of unhealthful mixtures and a lack of moral courage to resist injurious substances can lead to fermentation in the stomach and great physical distress (MM 225).
Ultimately, the prevalence of disease in the world is linked to a departure from the principles found in the Ten Commandments and the laws of nature (CH 19.5). If humanity had remained obedient to these divine precepts and maintained strict control over their habits and appetites, the current curse of disease would not exist (CTBH 8.2). It is the duty of every individual, and especially physicians, to recognize that sickness is the result of these violations and to seek a higher view of life that includes the health of both soul and body (CH 366).
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Verified Source Texts
“The violation of physical law, with its consequent suffering and premature death, has so long prevailed that these results are regarded as the appointed lot of humanity; but God did not create the race in such a feeble condition. This state of things is not the work of Providence, but of man. It has been brought about by wrong habits,—by violating the laws that God has made to govern man's existence. A continual transgression of nature's laws is a continual transgression of the law of God. Had men always been obedient to the law of the ten commandments, carrying out in their lives the principles of those precepts, the curse of disease now flooding the world would not exist. TSDF 181.2”
“Chapter 45—Improper Eating a Cause of Disease How to Live, 49-50 TSDF 172 The human family have brought upon themselves diseases of various forms by their own wrong habits. They have not studied how to live healthfully, and their transgression of the laws of their being has produced a deplorable state of things. The people have seldom accredited their sufferings to the true cause—their own wrong course of action. They have indulged in intemperance in eating, and made a God of their appetite. In all their habits they have manifested a recklessness in regard to health and life; and when, as the result, sickness has come upon them they have made themselves believe that God was the author of it, when their own wrong course of action has brought the sure result. TSDF 172”
“Cause of Sickness 73. Every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of the law which God designs shall govern us in these matters; and by violating this law, human beings corrupt themselves. Sickness, disease of every kind, ruined constitutions, premature decay, untimely deaths,—these are a result of a violation of nature's laws.— Unpublished Testimonies, August 30, 1896 . HL 24”
“Inactivity is a fruitful cause of disease. Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood, but in idleness the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in it, so necessary to life and health, do not take place. The skin, too, becomes inactive. Impurities are not expelled as they would be if the circulation had been quickened by vigorous exercise, the skin kept in a healthy condition, and the lungs fed with plenty of pure, fresh air. This state of the system throws a double burden on the excretory organs, and disease is the result. MH 238.1”
“Inactivity a Fruitful Cause of Disease— Inactivity is a fruitful cause of disease. Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood, but in idleness the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in it, so necessary to life and health, do not take place. The skin, too, becomes inactive. Impurities are not expelled as they would be if the circulation had been quickened by vigorous exercise, the skin kept in a healthy condition, and the lungs fed with plenty of pure, fresh air. This state of the system throws a double burden on the excretory organs, and disease is the result.— The Ministry of Healing, 238 (1905) . 1MCP 116.3”
“Self-indulgence a Cause of Disease Some have not the moral courage to keep right on in the fear of the Lord. There is even among those who have intelligence in regard to the laws of life and health, a constant selfish indulgence in those things which are injurious to both soul and body. There is intemperance in eating and in the many varieties of food taken at one meal. In the preparation of food there are unhealthful mixtures which ferment in the stomach and cause great distress. And yet these go on, continuing their indulgence, which lays the foundation for numerous difficulties. If these would have self-control, and educate their taste to eat only those things which the abused stomach can and will assimilate, they would save large expense in doctor bills and avoid great sufferings.... MM 225”
“[Overeating a Cause of Disease: see Section VII, “Overeating,” and Section VIII, “Control of Appetite”] [Relation of Flesh Diet to Disease—668-677, 689, 690, 691, 692, 713, 722] [Disease Caused by Use of Tea and Coffee—734, 736, 737, 741] Chapter 7—Overeating A Common, but Serious Sin CD 131 210. Overtaxing the stomach is a common sin, and when too much food is used, the entire system is burdened. Life and vitality, instead of being increased, are decreased. This is as Satan plans to have it. Man uses up his vital forces in unnecessary labor in taking care of an excess of food. CD 131”
“The violation of physical law, with its consequent suffering and premature death, has so long prevailed that these results are regarded as the appointed lot of humanity; but God did not create the race in such a feeble condition. This state of things is not the work of Providence, but of man. It has been brought about by wrong habits —by violating the laws that God has made to govern man's existence. A continual transgression of nature's laws is a continual transgression of the law of God. Had men always been obedient to the law of the Ten Commandments, carrying out in their lives the principles of those precepts, the curse of disease now flooding the world would not exist.... CH 19.5”
“The violation of physical law, with its consequent suffering and premature death, has so long prevailed that these results are regarded as the appointed lot of humanity; but God did not create the race in such a feeble condition. This state of things is not the work of Providence, but of man. It has been brought about by wrong habits,—by violating the laws that God has made to govern man's existence. A continual transgression of nature's laws is a continual transgression of the law of God. Had men always been obedient to the law of the ten commandments, carrying out in their lives the principles of those precepts, the curse of disease now flooding the world would not exist. CTBH 8.2”
“Every practitioner should study carefully the word of God. Read the story of the sons of Aaron in the tenth chapter of Leviticus, verses 1-11 . Here was a case where the use of wine benumbed the senses. The Lord demands that the appetite and all the habits of life of the physician be kept under strict control. While dealing with the bodies of their patients, they are to constantly remember that the eye of God is upon their work. CH 366.3 The Causes of Disease to Be Understood The most exalted part of the physician's work is to lead the men and women under his care to see that the cause of disease is the violation of the laws of health and to encourage them to higher and holier views of life. Instruction should be given that will provide an antidote for the diseases of the soul as well as for the sickness of the body. Only that sanitarium will be a healthful institution where right principles are established. The physician who, knowing the remedy for the diseases of the soul and body, neglects the educational part of his work, will have to give an account of his neglect in the day of judgment. Strict purity of language and every word and action is to be guarded. CH 366”
Ellen Chat