From the beginning, God called mankind to be stewards. In Genesis 2:15, “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” This was humanity’s first calling—to tend to the land, to care for creation, and to live in harmony with what God had made. Yet, stewardship extends beyond the soil beneath our feet. We are also called to steward our bodies, the temples entrusted to us by our Creator (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Modern life often separates these two responsibilities. We compartmentalize our health, relying on quick fixes rather than long-term nourishment. We disconnect from the land, seeing food as something to be purchased rather than something to be cultivated. But Scripture teaches us a different way. It calls us back to intentionality, seeing both the earth and our bodies as gifts, not burdens.
Natural living is not just about avoiding chemicals or choosing organic food. It is a mindset of honoring God’s design and trusting that He provided all we need to thrive. When we embrace this perspective, we step into a life of wisdom, gratitude, and deeper connection with the One who made us.
The Call to Stewardship
Stewardship is woven throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God instructed His people on how to care for the land. Fields were to be given rest every seventh year (Leviticus 25:4), a reminder that creation itself needs rhythms of restoration. The Israelites were taught to glean wisely, leaving portions of their harvest for the poor and the sojourner (Leviticus 19:9-10). These commands were not arbit rary; they reflected God’s heart for sustainability, generosity, and balance.
The same principles apply to our modern lives. When we prioritize regenerative practices—whether through gardening, ethical farming, or simply making mindful choices about where our food comes from—we reflect God’s design for abundance without exploitation. The land was never meant to be stripped bare for the sake of convenience. Neither were our bodies.
Honoring the Body as a Temple
Our culture often treats the body as either something to be idolized or something to be neglected. But in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
To honor our bodies is to care for them in a way that reflects gratitude rather than control. It is not about obsessing over diets or fearing illness but about trusting that God has provided all we need to nourish ourselves well. Whole foods, clean water, movement, and rest—these are not trends, but timeless gifts from our Creator.
Jesus Himself modeled this balance. He feasted with friends, walked long distances, and often retreated to quiet places to pray and restore His strength. He never rushed through life, never treated His body as an afterthought. He cared for it with intention, knowing that His earthly vessel was part of His mission.
Returning to God’s Provision
Natural living is ultimately about trust. Trust that God has given us what we need in creation. Trust that the rhythms He set—of work and rest, of fasting and feasting—are good. Trust that our bodies, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), are not broken by design but need the right environment to thrive.
In Exodus, when God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, He commanded them to gather only what they needed for the day (Exodus 16:4). This was a lesson in both provision and dependence. When we seek out the simplest, most nourishing ways to live, we echo this truth: that God is enough.
This may look like growing our own food, using herbal remedies, or seeking holistic ways to support our health. It may mean simplifying, slowing down, and becoming more attuned to the way creation speaks of the Creator. Natural living is not about following rules but about realigning our lives with God’s wisdom.
Living in a Way That Points to Him
At its core, stewarding our land and bodies well is an act of worship. It is recognizing that everything we have—our homes, our health, our daily bread—comes from the Lord. When we tend the soil, when we nourish our bodies, when we choose sustainability over excess, we are bearing witness to His goodness.
Jesus often used agricultural metaphors to explain the kingdom of God. He spoke of seeds planted in good soil (Matthew 13:8), of vines and branches (John 15:5), of the harvest being plentiful (Luke 10:2). These images remind us that our lives are deeply connected to the earth He created. The way we care for it, and for ourselves, is a testimony to our faith.
May we live in a way that reflects His wisdom, honoring the gifts we have been given, and trusting that in His design, there is always enough.
Where is the Lord calling you to deeper stewardship? Whether in your health, your home, or the land around you, may you walk in His rhythms with joy and gratitude.
