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; the 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 “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 through with the act. Cain intended “to do evil by his brother.”
The second thing Cain’s conversation with GOD indicates is not only his willingness to easily “lie” to GOD, but Cain utter “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.” 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 everywhere?” In essence: “Am I his babysitter?”
This response not only shows that Cain had no “brotherly love” for Able but also that Cain has no love or respect for GOD. Imagine the nerve and irreverence of asking GOD, WHO IS ALL KNOWING, whether HE needs a warden or keeper to determine someone’s whereabouts! 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 at 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”). David thanks GOD for his external well-being and 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). David also acknowledges that even when he sins, GOD is able to find him and 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 have gone astray, GOD still cares and shows mercy.] David thanks GOD that for being his GOOD SHEPHERD!
Unlike Cain’s relationship with GOD, David’s relationship with GOD is one of praise, gratitude, reverence, and love.
HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP TO FOOD
Although food is necessary for living, people often have “complicated” and sometimes unhealthy relationships with food, often thinking of food as “a way to relieve stress” or
something “to be avoided.” Sometimes people have a yoyo or up and down relationship with food---alternating between binging and avoidance.
In “How to Have a Healthy Relationship With Food,” WebMD suggests a number of ways to have a more positive relationship with the food. Here are some suggestions:
- Don’t Diet -- many people who try to put themselves on a diet don’t realize that cutting calories or not eating certain kind of foods may trigger overeating. Sometimes people caught in the cycle of binging and avoidance can find it difficult to break the cycle. If you need to lose weight, speak to your physician about when and what you should eat..
- Make Regular Meals a Habit – Try not to skip meals. In other words, put yourself on an eating schedule. Being very hungry can cause overeating. Skipping meals also increase the likelihood of eating foods “high in fat and sugar.” If you work, you may want to bring “breakfast” or “lunch” with you so you decrease the chance of eating inappropriate foods or not having the nutritious food when you need to eat. Prepare healthy snacks if you need to eat between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, tea and water are often great healthy choices.
- Keep Cravings Out of Sight –Don’t stockpile your kitchen or pantry with unhealthy “sugar and fat” foods or other unhealthy “treats.” Don’t buy or, just get rid of them. Remember, out of sight is also out of reach!
- Get Support ---Try not to eat alone. Eat around other people who are eating healthy too. Web MD suggests avoid people eating around people who are likely to make negative comments about your eating or your weight. Try to make eating an enjoyable, relaxing experience.
- Find Healthy Ways to Relieve Stress – Exercise, meditate, pray, call a friend if you find yourself overeating or binging. Or, seek medical help.
See, www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/binge-relationship-food#2.
RIGHT RELATIONSHIP
Every day we make choices. Every day we can strive for “right relationships.” 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 the right relationship and BE BLESSED!
