“Those who are engaged in the sacred work of opening the Word of God to others, must be sure that they themselves are eating and digesting that Word. They must watch over themselves, weeding from the heart and character the fungus growth which causes deformity and weakness. ‘Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, . . . and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby’ (1 Peter 2:1, 2). Have you done this, or have you thought that you had no battles to fight with self, and so allowed your unsanctified impulses to control mind and judgment? . . .
“In the hearts of all who desire to follow Christ, there is natural depravity which must be uprooted, lest the representation of Christ be marred. . . .
“Men will never be prepared to do the work of God acceptably unless they take themselves in hand and endeavor, firmly and constantly, to correct their own errors. No one is to take the position that his own way is perfect, that he has no need to reach a higher standard. ‘Seeing that ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently’ (1 Peter 1:22). This work is too often left undone. Many are working in an entirely different manner from that which is given to them as a standard of perfect service. . . .
“Jesus Christ gave His life in order to save us, soul and body. He desires to restore the moral image of God in man. In order that this may be accomplished, we must cooperate with Him. The very flesh of our bodies must be consecrated to His service. But can this be done while we place in our stomachs food which will strengthen feelings which war against holiness and happiness and purity?
“A plain, simple, but liberal diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains is the best for those who are preparing for the work of God. The lower nature, with all its inclinations, must be subdued and crucified, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. It is absolutely necessary for Christians to keep the body under, bringing it into subjection, and uprooting every affection and impulse that is contrary to the will of God.. . . . “ –Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, p. 284–286
Ellen G. White