Health Stewardship Education
Understanding God's Economy
A Vital Link In Your Health Stewardship Program
Economy is the management of resources with a view toward production and efficiency. The word comes from the Greek word oikonomia which relates to the steward of a house. The word is further broken down into the roots oikos, house and nomos, law. You could call God's economy the Rules of the House.
The economy of the world is operated according to man's wisdom. And often the root of that is the love of money. But God's economy is foolishness to man. God's economy uses the currency of love. Because God so loved the world... we can love. And when we love our neighbor as ourselves, we give God reign over our lives. Also faith is energized by love. Galatians 5:6,
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
You want to increase your faith? Love your neighbor. Not the picture of an Ethiopian child with a distended belly. A neighbor. Neighbor means, "near one." If God sends you to Ethiopia or tells you to send money there, that's great. But don't be manipulated by people. There are lost and lonely people right next door. Heck, there are lost and lonely people in the church!
What does this have to do with health? Everything! If you want to be healthy, start by submitting to God's economy. Accept your place, in this moment, in the body of Christ and fulfil your ministry of reconciliation now. Everyone I know wants to connect with another person, to feel understood. If I am in the room with you, then you are my neighbor and I should serve you rather than myself. Then when I am moved with compassion and respond with word and deed, God will energize faith; yours and mine. If there is something you need, ask God to supply it. Then wait for Him. We often run into trouble by rushing to solve a problem without waiting on the Lord.
Chris Duffy, BS, LM, CNHP, ND
midwife.duffy(at)gmail.com
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