Hence, every practice unfavorable to the health of the body, should be resolutely shunned. We cannot maintain consecration to God, and yet injure our health by the willful indulgence of a wrong habit. Self-denial is one of the conditions, not only of admission into the service of Christ, but of continuance therein. Yet how many who call themselves Christians are unwilling to exercise self-denial, even for Christ's sake. Precious hours of probation are spent, God-given means squandered, to please the eye or to gratify the appetite.
Custom holds thousands in bondage to the earthly and sensual.
They are few who walk in the clear light of God's Word, who maintain their freedom in Christ by daily self-denial. Yet none need fail in this work of self-renunciation. God will give help to every earnest seeker. He reads the intents and purposes of the heart. He marks every soul-struggle.