Health-Conscious Living

While strolling along the Imperial Beach Pier early this week with my kababayan (townmate) Ruth Tan Hoyumpa, her husband Lito, and my wife Kim, we enjoyed a meaningful and engaging conversation. We reminisced about how our church back home has been instrumental in nurturing professionals who have served—and continue to serve—in ministry, not only in the Philippines but also abroad.

As we walked, we ran into Shirley, who had visited our church a few times. We chatted about life, family, work, and other everyday matters. Then Shirley asked about the foods Adventists choose to avoid—practices that can sometimes seem unnecessary or inconvenient to others.

I explained that these dietary guidelines are found in Scripture, particularly in Deuteronomy 14 and Leviticus 11. While these passages do not present scientific explanations, many modern studies have identified potential health concerns associated with certain animals often described today as “scavengers,” especially among aquatic species.

For me, however, the most compelling reason goes beyond science. God, the Creator of all living things, knows what is best for us. His guidance reflects His desire for our wholeness—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Caring for our bodies, therefore, becomes part of purposeful living, which is why we value and celebrate Health Ministry Sabbath.

In fact, God clearly connects obedience with well-being in Exodus 15:26. He tells the Israelites that if they listen carefully to His voice, do what is right, and keep His commands, He will not bring upon them the diseases that afflicted the Egyptians. As rendered in the EasyEnglish Bible (EASY): “He said, ‘Be careful to listen to what the Lord your God says to you. Let him see that you are doing things that are right. Obey his commands and his rules. Then I will not give to you the diseases that I gave to the Egyptians. I am the Lord. I am the one who gives you health.’”

Today, our worship service features both active and retired health workers. We deeply appreciate and praise the Lord for their dedication and pray that God will continue to empower their role in His greater purpose—to restore wholeness in every human being.

-Pastor Lim