This summer I’ve spent a lot of time learning about nutrition and health. In the process, God has taught me some parallels between organic food and the Christian faith.
Not toxic. Truly organic produce has not been treated with pesticides. Chemicals that increase crop yield can also increase allergic responses, neurological symptoms, and cancer. Organic foods allow us to breathe easier. Are you that kind of mother, sister, daughter, friend or neighbor? Or do you give off fumes that give people fits? Negativity such as anger, gossip, and criticism are toxic to people around us. Like pesticides, the consequences of our sinfulness may not be readily apparent for years, but damage is being done. Galations 5:15 says, “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Not modified. Organic produce is not genetically modified. The protein makeup of corn, soy, and potatoes are typically changed to create products that are more appealing or profitable. The problem is that these foods may no longer be recognizable to our digestive tracts and will be ejected from our bodies in an unpleasant way. Are you still recognizable as a Christian? Or have you begun living in such a worldly way that no one would know? If we find ourselves adapting to suit the tastes of unbelievers, we may lose the essence of what makes us appealing to God. John 15:19 reads, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world…”
No preservatives. Organic food does not rely on additives to keep it fresh for long periods. A longer shelf life is gained at the expense of good nutrition. A sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals can only be gained from fresh food. The increasing incidence of obesity belies the fact that adequate nourishment is lacking. Without adequate nourishment, we become ill. Are you salt, a natural preservative, to those who know you? Or are you more concerned with maintaining your own shelf-life? Like salt, we can encourage those we know to taste and see that the Lord is good. Or we can become dead in a faith devoid of good works. Matthew 5:13 tells us, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
More valuable. If you know nothing else about organic food, you know it’s more expensive. Refusal to use artificial methods of increasing yields means a lower profit margin for organic farmers. Legal requirements are more stringent and distribution channels are fewer. So we must pay more for organic food. More and more people are willing to pay more because they value their health. However, the expectations for that produce are higher, too. We expect organic foods to be labeled honestly and to be produced with integrity. Are you living in a way worthy of the Christian label? Or are you living more like a cheap imitation? No matter how you answer the questions, there is cause for rejoicing. God finds you so valuable that He was willing to pay the ultimate price for you: His Son. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
Eating more organic foods may improve your physical health, but to improve your spiritual health, try living as an organic Christian.
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