Physical and spiritual health rely on consistently following good practices.
Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (better known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego), were determined to follow the dietary restrictions in the Law of Moses, even though they were under the supervision of the Babylonian king. The prince of the eunuchs, who was responsible for their care, had been instructed to give them some of the king’s food and drink, but Daniel asked for simpler food for himself and his friends: pulse and water. The prince was nervous that he would get in trouble if they looked less healthy than the other boys, but Daniel urged the steward assigned to them to put it to the test:
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Daniel 1:12-13
Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
After ten days, Daniel and his friends did look healthier. Their adherence to God’s instructions resulted in other blessings besides physical health:
God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. …
Daniel 1:17, 20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
The Book of Mormon tells a story of four young men who grew spiritually as a result of consistent adherence to good practices. After their fourteen-year mission among the Lamanites, the sons of Mosiah were reunited with their friend Alma, who was impressed by their spiritual maturity:
Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
Alma 17:2-3
But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.
Like Daniel and his friends, the sons of Mosiah maintained appropriate health habits over time. The text doesn’t discuss their adherence to the dietary restrictions in the Law of Moses, but it does highlight their steady efforts to nourish themselves spiritually through regular scripture study, prayer, and fasting. As a result, they were blessed with understanding and with ongoing revelation.
Today, I will maintain my physical and spiritual health by continuing to nourish my body and spirit.
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