Did you know that your physical health affects your spiritual life? God designed us as whole beings - body, mind, and spirit are interconnected. **The Body is the Temple** "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). God wants to dwell in us, but sin and poor health choices can drive Him away. **How Physical Health Affects Spiritual Life** 1. **Mental Clarity** - Poor diet and lack of exercise cloud the mind, making it harder to understand spiritual truth 2. **Energy for Service** - Sickness and fatigue limit our ability to serve God and others 3. **Emotional Stability** - Physical health problems often lead to depression and anxiety 4. **Resistance to Temptation** - When we're physically weak, we're more vulnerable to temptation **The 8 Laws of Health (NEWSTART)** God has given us simple principles for health: 1. **Nutrition** - Eat the diet God designed (Genesis 1:29) 2. **Exercise** - Move your body daily 3. **Water** - Drink plenty of pure water 4. **Sunlight** - Get moderate sun exposure 5. **Temperance** - Avoid harmful substances, use good things in moderation 6. **Air** - Breathe fresh, clean air 7. **Rest** - Get adequate sleep and keep the Sabbath 8. **Trust in God** - Faith reduces stress and brings peace **The Original Diet** In Eden, God gave humanity a plant-based diet: "I have given you every herb that yields seed... and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food" (Genesis 1:29). After the flood, God permitted clean meats, but the ideal remains a plant-based diet. Science confirms this: - Lower risk of heart disease - Lower risk of cancer - Lower risk of diabetes - Better weight management - More energy and vitality **Harmful Substances to Avoid** - **Alcohol** - "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler" (Proverbs 20:1) - **Tobacco** - Destroys the body temple - **Drugs** - Cloud the mind and enslave the will - **Caffeine** - Stimulant that stresses the body - **Unclean Meats** - Pork, shellfish, etc. (Leviticus 11) **The Sabbath: Physical and Spiritual Rest** God knew we needed one day of complete rest each week. The Sabbath provides: - Physical rest from labor - Mental rest from stress - Spiritual renewal through worship - Family bonding time - Connection with nature **Start Today** You don't have to change everything at once. Start with one healthy habit: - Drink more water - Add more fruits and vegetables - Take a daily walk - Go to bed earlier - Keep the Sabbath holy As you care for your body temple, you'll find your spiritual life deepening. God will bless your efforts!