Ellen G. White's 10 Fundamental Rules for Christian Living

1. Put God First in Everything

Ellen White emphasized that making God the center of our lives should be our highest priority. She wrote in Steps to Christ that "consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work." This principle involves daily prayer, Bible study, and seeking God's will before making decisions.

Scripture Connection: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

2. Care for Your Body as God's Temple

White consistently taught that our physical health directly affects our spiritual well-being. She advocated for proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, abstinence from harmful substances, and clean living. In Ministry of Healing, she wrote that "pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies."

Scripture Connection: "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19

3. Practice Faithful Stewardship

White taught that everything we have comes from God, including our time, talents, and resources. She emphasized the importance of returning a faithful tithe, managing resources wisely, and using our abilities to advance God's work. This includes being honest in all business dealings and avoiding debt.

Scripture Connection: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2

4. Maintain Christian Education and Growth

Education was a cornerstone of White's teachings. She advocated for continuous spiritual and intellectual growth, emphasizing the importance of studying both Scripture and nature. True education, she taught, is the harmonious development of physical, mental, and spiritual powers.

Scripture Connection: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." - 2 Timothy 2:15

5. Practice Temperance in All Things

White taught that self-control and moderation should govern all aspects of life. This includes not only abstaining from harmful substances but also maintaining balance in work, recreation, eating, and even good activities. She wrote that true temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything harmful and use judiciously that which is healthful.

Scripture Connection: "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." - 1 Corinthians 9:25

6. Cultivate Christian Character

Character development was central to White's teachings. She emphasized that forming a Christ-like character should be our life's highest work. This involves developing virtues like patience, kindness, humility, and self-sacrifice through daily choices and divine grace.

Scripture Connection: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." - Galatians 5:22

7. Maintain Family Unity and Sanctity

White placed great emphasis on the family as a sacred institution. She provided detailed counsel on marriage, parenting, and maintaining harmony in the home. She taught that the home should be a place where God's love is demonstrated and Christian principles are taught and lived.

Scripture Connection: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children." - Deuteronomy 6:6-7

8. Practice Unselfish Service

Service to others was a fundamental principle in White's teachings. She emphasized that true Christianity is demonstrated through unselfish ministry to others, following Christ's example. This includes both physical help and spiritual ministry.

Scripture Connection: "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." - Matthew 20:28

9. Guard the Avenues of the Soul

White taught the importance of protecting our minds from negative influences. This includes being selective about entertainment, reading material, and associations. She emphasized that what we allow into our minds shapes our character.

Scripture Connection: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23

10. Prepare for Christ's Soon Return

White consistently emphasized the importance of living in readiness for Christ's second coming. This involves not only spiritual preparation but also helping others prepare through sharing the gospel message.

Scripture Connection: "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." - Matthew 24:44

Practical Application

These principles should be:

• Implemented through daily prayer and Bible study
• Applied with consistency and dedication
• Shared with others through example and gentle teaching
• Adapted to individual circumstances while maintaining their essential truth
• Understood in the context of God's love and grace

Remember White's counsel that "The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."