Section 10—Mental Health
Chapter 47—Mental Hygiene (Part 2)
[See chapter 42, “Mind and Health.”]
Excessive Study Lessens Self-control [See chapter 54, “Overstudy.”]—Excessive study, by increasing the flow of blood to the brain, creates morbid excitability that tends to lessen the power of self-control and too often gives sway to impulse or caprice. Thus the door is opened to impurity. The misuse or nonuse of the physical powers is largely responsible for the tide of corruption that is overspreading the world. “Pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness” are as deadly foes to human progress in this generation as when they led to the destruction of Sodom.—Education, 209 (1903).
Vary Subjects of Thought—By pursuing one line of thought exclusively, the mind often becomes unbalanced. But every faculty may be safely exercised if the mental and physical powers are equally taxed and the subjects of thought are varied.—Education, 209 (1903).
Study of the Sciences Not to Be Neglected—Far more might be accomplished in the work of self-education if we were awake to our own opportunities and privileges. True education means more than the colleges can give. While the study of the sciences is not to be neglected, there is a higher training to be obtained through a vital connection with God. Let every student take his Bible and place himself in communion with the Great Teacher. Let the mind be trained and disciplined to wrestle with hard problems in the search for divine truth.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 334 (1900).
Impure Air Affects Mental Powers—Many are continually complaining and suffering from various indispositions. This is almost always because they do not labor wisely or observe the laws of health. They frequently remain too much indoors, occupying heated rooms filled with impure air. There they apply themselves closely to study or writing, taking little physical exercise and having little change of employment. As a consequence the blood becomes sluggish and the powers of the mind are enfeebled.—Testimonies for the Church 4:264 (1876).
Debilitating Practices to Be Avoided—Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for the service of his Creator.—The Great Controversy, 473 (1885).
How to Preserve Mental Powers—He who will observe simplicity in all his habits, restricting the appetite and controlling the passions, may preserve his mental powers strong, active, and vigorous, quick to perceive everything which demands thought or action, keen to discriminate between the holy and the unholy and ready to engage in every enterprise for the glory of God and the benefit of humanity.—The Signs of the Times, September 29, 1881. (The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1006.)
Electric Current Affects Vital Powers—Physical inaction lessens not only mental but moral power. The brain nerves that connect with the whole system are the medium through which heaven communicates with man and affects the inmost life. Whatever hinders the circulation of the electric current in the nervous system, thus weakening the vital powers and lessening mental susceptibility, makes it more difficult to arouse the moral nature.—Education, 209 (1903).
Independent Thought and Moral Discrimination—The education that consists in the training of the memory, tending to discourage independent thought, has a moral bearing which is too little appreciated. As the student sacrifices the power to reason and judge for himself, he becomes incapable of discriminating between truth and error and falls an easy prey to deception. He is easily led to follow tradition and custom.—Education, 230 (1903).
Trained to Reach Highest Efficiency—Both the physical and the mental powers, with the affections, are to be so trained that they can reach the highest efficiency.—Pamphlet, The Circulation of Our Health Journals, 1, 1901. (Counsels on Health, 445.)
Study of Nature Strengthens Powers—In these lessons direct from nature there is a simplicity and purity that makes them of the highest value. All need the teaching to be derived from this source. In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly attractions and toward purity, peace, and God. Too often the minds of students are occupied with men’s theories and speculations, falsely called science and philosophy. They need to be brought into close contact with nature. Let them learn that creation and Christianity have one God. Let them be taught to see the harmony of the natural with the spiritual. Let everything which their eyes see or their hands handle be made a lesson in character-building. Thus the mental powers will be strengthened, the character developed, the whole life ennobled.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 24, 25 (1900).
Bible Study Gives Power to the Mind [See chapter 11, “Bible Study and the Mind.”]—Those who hunger for knowledge that they may bless their fellowmen will themselves receive blessing from God. Through the study of His Word their mental powers will be aroused to earnest activity. There will be an expansion and development of the faculties, and the mind will acquire power and efficiency.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 334 (1900).
Conversion Removes Darkness of Ignorance From the Mind—In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of God are the utterances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, but the darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded the understanding is removed. The words, “A new heart also will I give you,” mean, “A new mind will I give you.” A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence.—The Review and Herald, December 18, 1913. (My Life Today, 24.)
https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/78.371#391
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for how you have made us with the capacity to excel in every area of our lives and to know what real balance means. Please bless us to fully embrace our own God-given individuality and talents and influence that others might be uplifted and encouraged in rightdoing. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, please bless us to be all You would have us be and grant us the mind and love of Jesus that others might be drawn to You through how we live and what we say. Because we ask all these in the Awesome name of Your Son, Almighty Jesus the Christ, our Savior, we say Thank You and Amen.
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DID YOU KNOW THIS…?
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.—Romans 12:2 KJV —The WORD OF GOD—It’s the only flesh that is safe to eat (meditate on) to live forever!]
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Do you feel sorrowful, disconnected—without a place to feel at home or useful? I pray this might show you the way forward. Watch…
https://www.youtube.com/live/2QB6fcwVuws?si=fsEvZU-rkI-BngfD
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Thursday, Sept. 10: “Nutrition for Healing”
*Exception: $10 for any cooking class
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I coordinate wonderful health and worship events and conferences online and onsite as a gospel medical missionary at Uchee Pines, a total plant-based health retreat, where doctors and practitioners specialize in lifestyle medicine. For event details, visit https://www.ucheepines.org/events
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