The Wonder of the Human Body
The human body is amazing, and this is based on how it can adapt to the ever-changing environment. Looking at some interesting facts to start with:
- The length of all the blood vessels in the body (arteries, veins, capillaries) is longer than 60,000 miles. Blood vessels are important to supply areas of the body oxygenated blood except the lungs, which is supplied with de-oxygenated blood prior to receiving oxygen.
- The body is very apt during development. For example, during development from birth; fontanelles in the skull are present whereby this connective tissue allows space for the bones to grow prior to fusion during childhood.
- Humans can adapt to temperature changes, for example if the weather is too hot, we can sweat to help us to cool down. We can also breathe through our mouths in addition to help increase oxygen consumption.
With just a few examples, it is important to note what the Bible says about the human body. The first passage that springs to mind is in Genesis, when God created mankind on Day 6.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26-27
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
This is a very important point as God created mankind after the perfect image to have dominion over the rest of creation. This role could explain the upright nature of mankind compared to other species and how mankind communicates in comparison. However, God at the end of this day, compared with other days, deems the outcome to be very good (Genesis 1:31).
Furthermore, we read in chapters 2 and 3 that man was formed from the dust of the earth and God breathed into the nostrils (Genesis 2:7) but due to our ability and what our expectations are; man was given a task. In Genesis 3:19, man is told the following:
By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
The human body works in harmony with each part from the supply of oxygen to nerves transmitting signals from one part to another as well as to the muscles and joints. Just looking at the muscles for a bicep curl, as the biceps contract as the agonist in this movement, the triceps relax as they are the antagonist in this movement. If they do not work in unison, the motion would not be able to be completed.
A passage from 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31 gives examples of this, but as a short 5-point summary, the focus in this passage is how the body is here to serve God as it was made in God’s image. The summary points are:
- The body is one, but it is made up of many members.
- For in one Spirit believers are all baptized into one body.
- God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
- If we were all a single member, i.e., all the same in character and function, we would not be a body.
- If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.
The take home message is to put into perspective that when you are part of a team and work together, you can achieve more than when you are without the team. This is important as long as everyone contributes expectedly. In the Christian walk, there will be challenges and temptations but with a supportive network these can be overcome. A combination of helping and receiving help as applicable are key components as at different times, different parts can face differing challenges. For the body to move forward and achieve a goal; all parts need to work together for this to be successful.
MM