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.
