Genesis 4:8-9 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Able and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel? “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [New International translation]
Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul….
[New International translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
Cain and Abel were the children of Adam and Eve, the first family. We can learn a number of valuable spiritual lessons studying the various relationships within the first family (husband and wife; relationship of siblings) and studying each member’s relationship with God. In Genesis verse 4:8-9 we are able to glean a glimpse of Cain’s relationship to his brother Able and Cain’s relationship to GOD. The verse indicates that Cain devised an evil plan. In today’s legal terminology, this is known as “premeditation.” Premeditation is the “planning,” “plotting” or “deliberating” about an action before committing the action; thus evidencing “an intent” to commit the crime. In other words, Cain could not say he “accidentally” killed his brother because Cain “intended” to do his brother harm. Cain devised the plan in his mind before following though with action. So, Cain intended “to do evil by his brother.”
The second thing Cain’s conversation with GOD indicates is not only his willingness to “lie” to GOD Cain “lack of reverence and respect toward GOD.” When GOD asked Cain about his brother Abel, Cain used a disrespectful “tone” with GOD and responded as if GOD and he were on “equal footing.”
When Cain retorted: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain’s was basically asking GOD: “Am I Abel’s warden?” “Is it my responsibility to follow Abel’s every more?” This response not only makes it clear that Cain has no “brotherly love” for Able but also shows that Cain has no love or respect for GOD. Image the nerve and irreverence of asking GOD, WHO IS ALL KNOWING, about whether HE needs a warden to determine someone’s whereabout! Cain’s retort is not only a direct challenge to the authority of GOD but a direct challenge to WHO GOD IS. [Much like Satan’s questioning temptation of JESUS in the wilderness---See, Luke 4.]
Conversely, when one reads Psalm 23, we can hear and feel the love, reverence and awe that David, the boy shepherd, has for an ALL LOVING, ALL POWERFUL, ALL KNOWING GOD and MERCIFUL GOD. David marvels how GOD cares for HIS sheep (i.e. us). David praises GOD for HIS protection, goodness and love. He thanks GOD for feeding him and physically nourishing him (i.e., finding “green” pastures and “still waters”). Not only does David thanks GOD for the external well being, David thanks and praises GOD for his “internal well-being,” acknowledging that GOD is able to abolish his fears (even his fear of death—verse 4) and David acknowledges that even when he sins against GOD, GOD is able to restore his soul.
It is as if the boy David could see how the adult King David would sin against GOD, and still has the assurance of knowing that despite all his human shortcomings, like a sheep gone astray, GOD still cares for him and shows mercy. David thanks GOD that for being A GOOD SHEPHERD!
Unlike Cain’s relationship with GOD, David’s relationship with GOD is one of praise, gratitude, reverence and love.
A CHILD’S RELATIONSHIP TO FOOD
According to WebMd.com, it is important for children to have a healthy relationship to food. In “Raising fit Kids: Healthy Nutrition, Exercise and Weight,” Jennifer Warner and Dr. Hansa D. Bhargava, provide a number of tips for creating a healthy environment in order to help a child develop a healthy relationship with food. Some of their tips include the following:
- Avoid placing restrictions on food.
Restricting food increases the risk your child may develop eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia later in life. It can also have a negative effect on growth and development. Instead of banning foods, talk about all the healthy, nutritional options there are -- encouraging your family to chose fruits, vegetables, whole grains…., while avoiding heavily processed, low-quality junk foods. - Keep healthy food at hand.
Children will eat what's available. Keep fruit in a bowl on the counter, not buried in the crisper section of your fridge. Remember, your child can only choose foods that you stock in the house. And have an apple for your own snack. "Your actions scream louder than anything you will ever tell them," says Sothern. - Don't label foods as "good" or "bad."
Instead, tie foods to the things your child cares about, such as sports or doing well in school. …The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables add luster to skin and hair. And eating a healthy breakfast can help them keep focus in class or give them the energy they need for sports. - Praise healthy choices.
Give your children a proud smile and praise when they choose healthy foods such as fruits, vegetable, nuts and whole grains. - Don't nag about unhealthy choices.
When children choose fatty, fried, unhealthy foods, redirect them by suggesting a healthier option. Keep naturally sweet dried fruit at home for quick snacks. - Never use food as a reward.
This could create weight problems in later life. Instead, reward your children with something physical and fun -- perhaps a trip to the park or a quick game of catch. - Sit down to family dinners at night.
If this isn't a tradition in your home, make it one. Research shows that children who eat dinners at the table with their parents have better nutrition and are less likely to get in serious trouble as teenagers. Start with one night a week, and then work up to three or four, to gradually build the habit. - Prepare plates in the kitchen.
You can put the right portion of each item on everyone's dinner plate, instead of offering up a food buffet or serve-yourself style. This way your children will learn to recognize healthy portion sizes. If adjusting to healthier portion sizes means smaller portions for your family, help make the switch seem less shocking by using smaller plates. - Give the kids some control.
Ask your children to take three bites of all the foods on their plate and give each one a grade, such as A, B, C, D, or F. When healthy foods -- especially certain vegetables -- get high marks, serve them more often. Offer the items your children don't like less frequently. This lets your children participate in decision-making. After all, dining is a family affair. - Consult your pediatrician.
Always talk with your child's doctor before putting your child on a weight loss diet, trying to help your child gain weight, or making any significant changes in the type of foods your child eats. Never diagnose your child as too heavy or too thin by yourself.
According to the article, "Everything outside of the home is trying to make kids overweight. The minute they walk out of the home, there are people trying to make them eat too much and serving them too much." See, “Raising fit Kids: Healthy Nutrition, Exercise and Weight,” Jennifer Warner and Dr. Hansa D. Bhargava, www.WebMd.com.
Even if you don’t have children or you no longer have small children, go through this list and measure your own relationship with food.
RIGHT RELATIONSHIP
As with children, many things outside and inside the home seem to be trying to entice children and adults to overeat and develop unhealthy food habits. The number of television ads for fast foods outnumber the healthy food ads. The number of fast food outlets are numerous. “Whoopers,” “Big Mac’s,” “Extra-large fries,” “Free Re-Fills,” extra large candy bars stores, cup cake stores, and “Heart Attack Grills” are still encouraging customers to eat unwisely. Certainly, being aware of these advertising gimmicks, mindfully eating and self-education about healthy food choices will help combat these undermining forces.
Our conversations (i.e., prayers) to GOD may say a great deal about our relationship with GOD. Do we always approach HIM “always asking for something?” Do we approach HIM reprimanding HIM for something we think HE should have done? Do we talk to GOD with a thankful heart? Are we waiting for GOD to come to us? Are we indifferent or even callus in the way we treat others. Are we like Cain or are we like the boy shepherd, David?
Every day we make choices. Every day we can strive for “right relationship.” In Psalms 139:23 David prayed: “Search me, O GOD, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Pray for right relationship and Be BLESSED!
