Man's Full Responsibility Over Human Deformities and Sufferings: A Biblical Perspective!
- Nkengacha Marcellous Agendia
- Sep 14, 2024
- 7 min read
The question of human suffering, deformities, and other bodily imperfections is often clouded by confusion and blame, with many pointing fingers at God as the source of their troubles. However, the Bible presents a clear picture that God created everything perfect from the beginning. Genesis 1:31 declares,
Genesis 1:31 - "God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good."
From the onset of creation, God equipped humans with all they needed for a perfect life. The physical, mental, and spiritual faculties were designed to work harmoniously, sustained by the natural provisions of the earth.
Yet, as we observe deformities and suffering today, we must ask: Where do these imperfections come from if God created everything perfect? The answer lies in human responsibility. The way humans have used—or rather, misused—their bodies and the resources provided by God has led to the decline in physical health and well-being. This article will explore this in three subtopics: God’s perfect design, man’s deviation from God’s instructions, and the consequences of misusing God’s provisions.
1. God’s Perfect Design for Humankind
In the beginning, God created humans and the entire world with perfect precision. Genesis 1:29 reveals God’s initial dietary plan for man:
Genesis 1:29 - “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”
This provision of fruits and vegetation was not just a diet plan, but also part of God’s holistic approach to human health and well-being.
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Also, it symbolizes a deeper connection between humans and nature. In many cultures and traditions, fruits and vegetables are considered not only as sources of nutrition but also as gifts from the divine. The act of consuming these natural foods is often seen as a way to honor and respect the Earth and its abundance.
Furthermore, the consumption of fruits and vegetation has been associated with various health benefits throughout history. These foods are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that support overall well-being and help prevent diseases. By incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into one's diet, individuals can boost their immune system, improve digestion, and maintain a healthy weight.
Moreover, the act of cultivating and harvesting fruits and vegetation can also have a positive impact on mental health. Engaging in gardening or farming activities can promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and foster a sense of connection with the natural world. This holistic approach to health emphasizes the importance of not only what we eat but also how we interact with our environment.
In essence, the provision of fruits and vegetation is a reflection of God's wisdom in creating a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, promoting both physical health and spiritual well-being. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of nurturing our bodies and souls through the gifts of the Earth.
Humans were originally designed to thrive on natural foods, which were filled with the nutrients necessary for maintaining the body in perfect condition. God created a perfect system where man’s body and nature worked in unison. There was no need for artificial food, chemicals, or processed items. The body’s systems were meant to operate with balance and harmony, supported by the environment God provided.
Example: Imagine purchasing a new smartphone that comes with a manufacturer’s recommended charger and usage instructions. If you follow those instructions and use the recommended charger, your phone will last longer and perform better. However, if you start using third-party chargers or overcharging it, the battery begins to degrade. In the same way, God provided a perfect “manual” for our bodies, but by ignoring His design, we cause deterioration over time.2. Man’s Deviation from God’s Instructions
Over time, humankind began to deviate from the natural lifestyle God intended. This deviation from God’s design is most visible in modern diets and lifestyles. Genesis 9:3 tells us that after the flood, God expanded man’s diet to include meat, but this was meant to be from animals that naturally ate vegetation.
Genesis 9:3 - Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
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After the catastrophic flood described in Genesis, God granted humanity permission to consume meat as part of their diet. This significant shift in the human diet marked a new era for mankind. Nonetheless, there was a particular requirement linked to this permission: the meat that was eaten had to be sourced from animals that naturally grazed on vegetation. In doing so, and of utmost significance, God intended for humans to keep benefiting from the nutrients of vegetables and fruits indirectly through these herbivorous animals.
This directive not only provided sustenance for humanity but also served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth. It encouraged a mindful and responsible approach to consumption, reinforcing the idea of moderation and gratitude for the provisions granted.
Unfortunately, modern practices of raising animals with artificial hormones, confined feeding, and processed foods have compromised this original balance.
The food we consume today is often far removed from the natural state God intended. Processed foods, fast food, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) now dominate our diets. These foods are high in chemicals, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that negatively affect our health. As a result, the body—designed to thrive on natural, unprocessed foods—begins to malfunction. This leads to illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, infertility, and deformities in newborns.
Example: Think of a farmer who grows crops in fertile, nutrient-rich soil and another who uses artificial fertilizers and chemicals to speed up growth. The naturally grown crops are healthier and more robust, while the artificially enhanced crops, though they may look similar, are often lacking in essential nutrients and carry harmful chemicals. The same applies to the human body. When we feed our bodies with artificial and processed foods, we introduce harmful substances that can lead to deformities and health issues.3. The Consequences of Misusing God’s Provisions
The consequences of ignoring God’s original design are evident in the rising cases of health issues, deformities, and suffering. Romans 1:25 describes how humans
Romans 1:25 - “exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.”
We have exchanged the natural provisions (truth) God gave us for artificial alternatives (lie). The result is a society burdened with illnesses and malfunctions of the body that were never part of God’s plan.
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In today's world, we find ourselves in a constant battle between the natural and the artificial. Instead of embracing the truth and provisions that God has bestowed upon us, we have chosen to veer towards artificial alternatives, which are often based on lies and deception. This shift in our choices has had profound consequences on our society as a whole. Our bodies, which were designed to thrive on the natural elements of this world, are now burdened with illnesses and malfunctions that were never meant to be a part of God's plan for us.
The prevalence of processed foods, synthetic medications, and artificial substances has taken a toll on our health and well-being. Instead of nourishing ourselves with the wholesome goodness of nature, we have turned to quick fixes and shortcuts that only provide temporary relief but lead to long-term harm. Our bodies are struggling to cope with the toxic overload of chemicals and additives that have become a staple in our modern diet.
As a result, we see a rise in chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, and other health conditions that were once rare or unheard of. Our society is grappling with the consequences of our choices, as we witness the decline in overall health and vitality. It is a stark reminder that straying from God's intended path comes with a heavy price to pay.
It is time for us to reevaluate our choices and realign ourselves with the natural provisions that God has graciously given us. By returning to a lifestyle that honors the truth of our existence and respects the sanctity of our bodies, we can begin to reverse the damage that has been done. Let us strive to create a society where health and well-being are prioritized, and where we can once again experience the abundance and vitality that God intended for us.
Women who struggle with infertility, men who are sterile, children born with deformities, and continuous increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases are heartbreaking examples of the physical consequences of misusing the body. It is important to understand that these are not God’s doing. James 1:17 tells us,
James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.”
God is the author of perfection, not imperfection. The suffering we experience today is a result of our lifestyle choices—choosing artificial foods, chemicals, and unhealthy living environments over the natural world God provided.
Example: Imagine you are given a high-performance sports car by a manufacturer. The manual explicitly states the type of fuel the car should use for optimal performance. Instead, you choose to fill the car with low-grade fuel, or worse, a fuel not meant for cars. Over time, the car will begin to break down, and its performance will deteriorate. Yet, it would be wrong to blame the manufacturer for the car’s failure. In the same way, God has given us everything we need to maintain a healthy, thriving body, but when we misuse these provisions, we suffer the consequences.Conclusion: A Call to Return to God’s Original Design
The deformities, illnesses, and suffering we see today are not the result of God’s creation but of human choices. From the very beginning, God provided a perfect system for health and well-being, complete with natural foods, balanced diets, and a harmonious relationship with the environment. However, as humans deviated from God’s plan—choosing artificial foods, chemicals, and unhealthy lifestyles—we have introduced deformities and suffering into our lives.
Clearly, the Bible teaches in James 1:13 that,
James 1:13 - "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man."
It is crucial to recognize that we have full responsibility for how we treat our bodies. Like a machine that functions best when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, our bodies function best when we live according to God’s design. Returning to natural living, consuming pure foods, and respecting the body as God’s creation can restore much of the health and vitality we’ve lost.
Proverbs 4:22 tells us that God’s words “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Let us return to God’s instructions for living and embrace the natural, life-giving provisions He has given us, for in doing so, we honor the Creator and safeguard the health and well-being He intended for us.
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