But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love (Ephesians 4:15,16).
Dr. M.W. Orth, associate professor of skeletal biology in the department of animal science at Michigan State University, wrote, With the advances made in genetics, certain livestock species have attained some impressive growth rates. To try to give some perspective, if a week-old, 10 lb. baby boy grew at the rate of a market pig, he would weigh about 467 lbs. at 24 weeks of age. If the same baby grew at the rate of a turkey, he could weigh as much as 1320 lbs. at 22 weeks of age. That is more than four times the size of Shaquille O'Neal. In addition, his body composition would likely compare to that of a middle linebacker.*
That kind of growth really is incredible, but even with the benefit of modern genetics it would not be possible without a proper ration (diet and medication) and environment (shelter and ventilation). Without meeting these other physical needs appropriately, the mortality rates would be very high!
Whether we are leading a family or a church, all the needs of the members need to be considered for life, growth and development. Even when all needs are perfectly met there will be some mortality--Adam and Eve sinned in Eden. Nevertheless, that does not release us from our responsibility to provide the best environment for our families and churches, speaking and doing the truth in love.
What do you contribute to the diet and environment of your family or church so that it can grow in health rather than deteriorate in dysfunction?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
*Revised from an earlier post. The quote is from FEEDSTUFFS magazine.
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