Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
“Both mental and spiritual vigor are in great degree dependent upon physical strength and activity; whatever promotes physical health promotes the development of a strong mind and a well-balanced character.” — Ed 195.
For this reason, we live intelligently in accordance with health principles of physical exercise, respiration, sunshine, pure air, use of water, sleep, and rest. By conviction we choose to eat healthfully, wear suitable clothing, practice cleanliness, engage in proper recreation, and freely choose to follow the principles of health, self-control, and wholesome diet.
Therefore we abstain from all forms of alcohol, tobacco, and addictive drugs. We strive to preserve our physical and psychological balance by avoiding any excess. Health reform and the teaching of health and temperance are inseparable parts of the Church’s message. Instruction came to us through the Lord’s messenger
“that those who are keeping His commandments must be brought into sacred relationship to Himself, and that by temperance in eating and drinking they must keep mind and body in the most favorable condition for service.” — CH 132.
Also,
“it is the Lord’s design that the restoring influence of health reform shall be a part of the last great effort to proclaim the gospel message.” — MM 259.
The Church believes its responsibility to make Christ known to the world includes a moral obligation to preserve human dignity by promoting optimal levels of physical, mental, and spiritual health. In addition to ministering to those who are ill, this responsibility extends to the prevention of disease through effective health education and leadership in promoting optimum health, free of tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, and unclean foods. Where possible, members shall be encouraged to follow a primarily vegetarian diet.
For planning and implementing an efficient program, the church elects a health ministries leader who is health-oriented and interested in promoting the Church’s standards in healthful living among members and in the community through church-operated health ministries programs.