Another Power

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FRIDAY

May 28

Further Study:  

Read Ellen G. White, "Helping the Tempted," pp.161-169, and "Working for the Intemperate," pp. 171-182 in The Ministry of Healing. Despite the growing problem of obesity in many parts of the world, gluttony is encouraged and accepted. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more of a problem because of diet, obesity, and lack of exercise, affecting even teenagers. Addiction to Internet activities and pornography has fostered unthinkable cases of violence and sexual abuse. Tobacco continues to be the largest single cause of preventable death throughout the world—over 5 million per year. There are warnings on the cigarette boxes; these go unheeded by many. Information is not preventive if we do not act on it. God has given, through various sources, consistent guidance on how to be healthy, happy, and holy. Blessed we will be if we follow the counsel. “ ‘Have faith in the Lord your God, and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful’ ” (2 Chron. 20:20, NIV). “There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. The appetite should ever be in subjection to the moral and intellectual powers. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body.”—Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, p. 398.

Discussion Questions:

Look at this quote taken from above: “There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny.” What does this mean in practical terms?      How does the society in which you live impact attitudes toward temperance? Does it encourage temperance, or does it promote attitudes that make temperance seem outdated? Why is it important to be aware of these influences, and, if needed, how can you learn to help others, especially the young, be persuaded by them?     If possible, have a health expert speak in class about the right balance of things like diet, exercise, sleep, and sunlight.     Some people have the mentality that if a little is good for you, then a lot must be even better. For example, if a little salt is good for the body, then a lot must be even better for it. What’s wrong with that kind of thinking?

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		I N S I D E Story
		Another Power by JOESIE DURANGO Tay Juan walked through the village with his spear in one hand and his charms in the other. These were the signs of his power. He claimed to heal the sick or appease the spirits with slain chickens or a slaughtered pig. When tribal conflicts arose, Tay Juan restored peace. As Sulads, student missionaries from Mountain View College, we had been warned about the powers of darkness we would face in the village. We knew that victory came only through a constant and close connection with Jesus. My partner and I prayed for God's strength and the Holy Spirit to boldly face Tay Juan and the powers of darkness. When I finally met Tay Juan, his dignified bearing reminded me of Elisha, but the smell of alcohol and the smoke from his cigarette told me otherwise. "I am so happy that you have come to teach my people," he said. "You have risked your lives to come here. You sacrifice your own needs for the sake of others. I, too, will learn from you." I felt so humble realizing that God had gone before us and had tamed the devil. Tay Juan calls my partner and me his children. When we warned him of the dangers of tobacco and palm wine, he listened. "Thank you for telling me this," he said. "I didn't know that these things could destroy my body." One evening he came to hear the children sing during our worship service. He loved the beautiful songs and asked for more. Tay Juan began attending worship every day. He listened to the songs and messages from God's Word. And when two pastors came to baptize some believers in our village, we were surprised to see Tay Juan join the line! Tay Juan gave his heart to Christ. One day he came to our cottage carrying a knife and a sword. "These weapons were my power, my protection from accidents and enemies," he began. "But I have a stronger power now and don't need these any longer." We prayed that God's protection would go with Tay Juan. Tay Juan continues to heal the sick, not with incantations or sacrificial chickens, but with prayers to the Great Physician, Jesus. JOESIE DURANGO served as a teacher in the Tubakon Literacy Center in the mountains of Mindanao, southern Philippines.
		Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email:   info@adventistmission.org  website:  www.adventistmission.org