Genesis: 1:26 And GOD said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the cattle, over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth over the earth. [King James translation]
Genesis 1:28 Then GOD said, "I give you every seed bearing plant on the face of the wide earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
[New International translation]
1 Corinthians 6:19 Haven't you yet learned that your body is the home of the HOLY SPIRIT GOD gave you, and that HE lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. [Living Bible]
Definition: Steward: One who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The book of Genesis, a book about beginnings, describes the creation of everything---the Earth, the stars, the sun, the moon, light, land, vegetation, animals and mankind. Genesis 1:1 states, "GOD created." All that was created was created by HIM and for HIS purpose. In other words, all of the Earth and everything created by GOD belongs to HIM for HIS purpose. Mankind's relationship to what GOD has created is that of stewardship. We steward that which HE created on earth.
One of the first acts of stewardship was when mankind was given "dominion" over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moved on the earth." (Genesis 1:28). Later, GOD gave "them" dominion over "the garden of Eden," with the responsibility to "tend and care for it." (Genesis 2:15) Again, stewardship.
Stewardship is not an individual activity. Genesis notes that GOD gave "them" dominion. Two were placed in the garden. One could help the other. Partnership was to produce greater stewardship.
We are even stewards of our own bodies as well as each other. Just as a singer views his or her voice as a fine musical instrument, we too are "instruments," "tools," "lamps," on earth for GOD. Everyone collectively is responsible for the maintenance of all the "tools". Everyone is responsible for making sure all the lamps shine brightly. We are all responsible for the "health" of the body. That is why we cannot ignore anyone's physical or spiritual health. We are partners and stewards---as "one body" in Christ. (See Romans 12:5)
We also partner with GOD's HOLY SPIRIT. So, whatever physical or spiritual battles each of us confronts, we are not alone.
PARTNERING FOR HEALTH
We can all partner for health. There are partners everywhere! For example, WebMD, an online health information service has partnered with Healthy Child Healthy Worlds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of children from toxic environmental exposure, to create "Health e-Home." Health e-Home provides tips and information about health and safe green living. Some of the topics on their interactive website include:
- Decoding Product Labels;
- 5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality;
- Safer Food for a Healthier You;
- Going Green for the Holidays;
- Pots, Pans & Plastics: A Shopper's Guide;
- 10 ways to Make Your Home Healthier;
- Safer Bug Spray: Natural Bug Repellents;
- Antibacterial Soup;
- Tips for an Eco friendly workout;
- Best Non-Toxic Ways to Clean Your Home.
See, http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/about.
There are also a number of organizations providing useful information about food safety. For example, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an annual "Shopper's Guide to Pesticide" report listing fruit and vegetables that are likely to contain the highest level of pesticide residue. The EWG's "Dirty Dozen List for 2013" includes the following:
- Apples
- Celery
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Hot Peppers
- Nectarines (imported)
- Peaches
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Strawberries
The EWG expanded their list to include two crops that they labeled "Dirty Dozen Plus" because these crops were commonly contaminated with pesticides that were exceptionally toxic to the nervous system. The two "Dirty Dozen Plus" vegetables were: summer squash and leafy greens, specifically kale and collards
EWG recommends buying organic items on the above list to avoid pesticide exposure. EWG also has a 2013 "Clean List" of fruits and vegetables. Some of the items on the clean list include: Asparagus, Avocados, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Sweet corn, Eggplant, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Mangoes, Onion, Mushrooms, Papayas, Pineapples, Sweet potatoes. See, www.mindbodygreen.com.
It is also useful to read labels, ask management about their store policies regarding pesticide free vegetables or asking the vender (e.g. at the farmer's market) whether the fruits and vegetables are pesticide free. But, whether you buy organic or conventional, it is always best to reduce contamination of fresh food by pesticide or bacteria by: Always washing fresh produce thoroughly.
You can find other partners for physical health at a gym (including trainers); at neighborhood community centers, at your church (e.g. church exercise programs); and you can be a partner in your own home or for your family.
PARTNER FOR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Our church fellowship is also a partnership ---a prayer, information and activities partnership. Every prayer counts! Every word of encouragement helps. So, please keep praying! Every effort you make to improve your physical and spiritual health strengthens us all. Keep studying. Your struggles are our struggles. Your victories are our victories! We are all in this together! So, don't get weary of well-doing! We steward each other, in HIM.
So, be a good steward! Continue to be faithful, be vigilant, and Be Blessed!
