Genesis 1:26-27 And GOD said, Let US make man [humanity] in OUR image, after OUR likeness…[King James Translation] So GOD created man [humanity] like HIS MAKER, Like GOD did GOD make man; Man and maid did HE make them. [Living Bible Translation]
Genesis 2:7 And THE LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. [King James Translation]
Summary
Most of us have heard the creation story thousands of time. Many of us grew up with children Bible books and pictures depicting stars, the sun and the moon, water, animals, fish and eventually the man and finally the woman depicted as molded figures from clay. But this is “the children’s” version of creation. What the Bible tells us is that humanity was created in two stages:
Genesis Chapter 1
The first chapter of Genesis discusses GOD creating the spiritual nature of humanity. The Bible says humanity was created like HIS MAKER, GOD. John 4:24 states:
GOD is Spirit, and HIS worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. [New International translation]
We too are spiritual beings. Our “spirit” is often associated with the “deepest nature” of “who we really are.” Spirit is associated with our ability to connect with our Maker, GOD. GOD “sees” our deepest thoughts, our intentions, and our motives. HE knows our spirit. We interact with GOD spiritually—through prayer and in faith.
There is a part of humanity that is beyond what we see or touch with the physical human eye. Our spirit defines our connection with GOD in ways that the physical (i.e., how we act and appear) cannot. While we may deceive others with what we may do or say, we cannot deceive GOD. HE knows our spirit.
Genesis Chapter 2
The second part of the creation of humanity involved the “physical” creation of humanity. This physical creation was not from earthly clay, but from “dust.” Humans are not potted plants—formed from the soil or rich earth. We can’t sit in the sun, do nothing and be healthy and grow. Nor are we molded from clay, as many of our children’s books suggest. GOD created the physical man from “dust.” Genesis 3:19 states “you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
Both the physical and the spiritual parts of who we are require proper maintenance.
BODILY MAINTENANCE
Familydoctor.org suggests a number of ways to maintain your and your family’s health. A number of those things involves being proactive in order to decrease the risk of developing certain medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and injuries. Some suggestions include to:
Eat Healthy: What you eat is closely linked to your physical health. Eating balanced meals and making healthy food choices can help prevent or even treat certain medical conditions. By eating a healthy diet, you can maintain a proper weight and maintain proper levels of blood pressure and cholesterol. For example, if you are over 50 you may need to eat more mindfully. This means thinking about your meals, your meal times and your snacks. It also means trying to get the right nutrients in each meal. Good nutrients include making sure you get enough calcium, fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin
A few tips for the over 50 include:
- Including meals with healthy servings of fruit, vegetables, proteins and whole grains;
- Avoiding unhealthy calories like cakes, cookies, soda and alcohol;
- Watching your serving portions sizes. For example, it is ok to eat a few chips once in a while, but avoid mindlessly eating a big bag in front of the TV. Measure out an appropriate amount and put the bag away.
- Learn to read labels. Look at the label for the total fat, salt, cholesterol, carbohydrates and protein per serving;
- Add spices to your food if your tastes have changed, but avoid salt;
- Choose foods low in fat and cholesterol. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats are animal-based (red meat and animal dairy); trans fats are found in processed (packaged baked goods).
A few tips for helping children improve their eating health include:
- Being a good example by filling your own plate with health items;
- Avoid mealtime distractions like the TV, cell phones and other electronic devices;
- Invite your child to help prepare the meal. Young children can tear lettuce, pour ingredients and stir;
- Eat together as a family. Talk with each other. Avoid just talking about “picky eaters” or making dinner an unpleasant experience for the “picky eater.”
- Make meals colorful- e.g. beets, yellow squash, red apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, etc.;
- Offer options. (e.g. Don’t just ask the child if he or she wants cauliflower. Ask if he or she would like cauliflower or broccoli.)
See: https://familydoctor.org/what-you-can-do-to-maintain-your-health/; https://familydoctor.org/prevention-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition/healthy-food-choices/;
and https://familydoctor.org/avoiding-food-hassles-kids/.
Exercise and Fitness: Exercise and working out are important for physical and mental health. According to Familydoctor, org:
Endless studies have shown that working out on a regular basis can reduce, delay, and maybe even prevent the onset of certain diseases. Diabetes, cancer, and dementia are some of the most common medical conditions positively affected by exercise.
See: https://familydoctor.org/getting-motivated-work/. Exercise is also good for weight management and provides opportunities to spend time with family and friends and get you laughing, which is important to mental health. Select exercises that are safe and right for you. Ask your physician if you need help or a recommendation based on your age and condition. If you cannot afford a gym membership, look for a safe park, a safe bike path or community recreation centers.
Exercise and Children: It is important for children to be active. Children 6 years or older need to be active at least 60 minutes or more each day. This can occur during various parts of the day and not all at once. Like adults, children need three kinds of exercise: 1) a mix of aerobic exercises; 2) muscle strengthening exercise and 3) bone-strengthening exercise. Some activities count as more than one type of exercise. Examples of aerobic exercise include: running, hiking, dancing, dancing, skating, bicycling; swimming. Examples of strengthening exercises include: climbing, gymnastics, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups. Examples of bone-strengthening exercises include: running, skipping, jumping rope, basketball, tennis, volleyball.
See: https://familydoctor.org/keeping-your-child-active/
https://familydoctor.org/prevention-and-wellness/exercise-and-fitness/exercise-basics/
REASONABLE SERVICE
In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul pleads that we offer our bodies to GOD as a living, holy sacrifice, the kind HE can accept. Paul says this is our “reasonable service.”
So, let us try to be our best for GOD, physically and spiritually. Let us try to help our children, our family, and the community too by modeling good health. Let’s help others be their best too!
Today, remember who you are and BE BLESSED!
