Those who follow the eight health principles described in this guide experience not only a longer life, but also a much better quality of life. An ongoing research project by the Department of Preventive Medicine at Loma Linda University has documented what happens when a segment of the population follows these principles: “Approximately 50,000 Seventh-day Adventists were studied, primarily in California, over 30 years. Results showed that Adventist men live 8.9 years longer and women 7.5 years longer than the general population.”—John Sharffenberg, M.D., M.P.H., Vibrant Life (May/June 1992), p. 18. This physician also points out that studies of Adventists in Holland, Norway, and Poland show similar results.

Researchers attribute the longer life-span of Adventists to their following some or all of the eight health principles outlined in this guide.

Studies have shown that Mormons also have one of the lowest rates of heart disease. They don’t smoke, drink, or use beverages containing caffeine.

Applying the Bible’s perspective to our lives does make a difference—in all kinds of practical ways; offering convincing evidence that Christianity is the most practical, reasonable religion in all the world. It changes people—their thinking and their actions—and creates a new lifestyle.

Because of the close relationship between the mind, the body, and our spiritual life, Christians who live by the Word of God will want to follow the principles of a healthful lifestyle as they prepare for Jesus’ second coming (John 10:10, 1 John 3:1-3). Christ not only wants us to be ready to meet Him when He returns, He also wants to improve the quality of our present lives. We can cooperate with Him in doing that by following God’s basic health principles.

Jesus promises to deliver us from every destructive habit through His “power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). If you need help in overcoming some body-destroying habit such as using tobacco or alcohol, here is a prayer for you:

Dear Father in heaven: I want so much to live as Jesus lived, in holiness and purity. Give me Your grace to surrender every harmful thing in my life. I just can’t pull it off through my own willpower. You know how often my best resolutions have turned into ropes of sand. But you have promised Your power will “work within us.” I love You and want to be like You and to be ready when Jesus comes again. Please give me strength to overcome my bad habits and to live for You. In Jesus name, Amen.