God has given clear instructions for a healthy life. We can find those through the Bible. God does not allow us to eat whatever is found in nature. Even ‘snake and worms’ are now human edible items. But, God created man as a herbivore.
Let’s look at what God said to Adam and Eve: “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”. (Genesis 1:29, 30).
In this way, it can be seen that God’s creation man started his life as a herbivore. All parts of the human body were created as for a herbivore. Carnivorous animals have sharp teeth and claws that are suitable for biting and eating meat. But humans have flat ‘molars’ that can chew plant food. Animal intestines also have speciality. Carnivores have a gut that is only three times the length of the body to quickly expel toxic substance. Meanwhile, humans have intestine that is twelve times the size of their body. The digestive juices of carnivores animals contain hydrochloric acid that can quickly digest meat. In comparison, the human digestive juice has only 1/20 intensity.
It is clear that God created man as a herbivore. So give importance to plant diet; avoid meat as much as possible. But, we must remember that God has allowed man to eat meat. It is note worthy what God commanded Noah and his sons after the flood. “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.” (Genesis 9:3,4).
For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
Romans 14:2,3
It is written by Apostle Paul:
“For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4,5).
Cleanliness: God gives great importance not only to the choice of food, but also to cleanliness. During the time when the people of Israel lived in the camp, God specifically insisted that they should live cleanly without impurity. Not only the sick person, but even the one who touched the dead body was quarantined from the camp (Numbers 5:1-4). Special instructions were also given regarding leprosy and infectious diseases (Leviticus 13:1-59). The Bible was written in a time when there was no refrigerator. Do not eat unclean meat. It is written to burn meat that is three days old (Leviticus 7:17). In the absence of latrines like today, it has been instruced that when going to defecate, one should carry a iron rod and use it to make a hole and cover it with soil. God has given many more laws of purification. There were many more rules related to cleaniness given by God. Everything must be followed.
Moral Laws Must Be Followed: The Bible points out that moral rules must be followed for better health. Do not commit adultery is one of the most important laws in the Ten Commandments. Adultery questions God’s stewardship of the male and female body. This is an action that calls forth the severest punishment from God. It has already been proven by science that syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS etc. can occur as a result of this. Along with that, the laws of purification in sex are also mentioned in the Bible.
Rest is required: God has required us to work and earn our living. But, we must remember that work and rest are two sides of the same coin. A happy, healthy life requires rest. God commanded: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.” (Exodus 20:8-10). Relaxation is also essential for mental health. The seventh day is the Sabbath day; a day to worship God. By worshiping God on that day, one can achieve better spiritual, physical and material life.
…And there was none feeble among His tribes.
Psalm 105:37
Wonderful thought and interpretation…