“The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead... " Romans 1:20.
Bacteria are a tiny form of life. Some are so small that 50,000 in a row would cover only one inch. Yet they are a very important part of God’s creation, and without them life, as we know it, could not exist. They are in water, in air, and a teaspoonful of garden soil contains billions of them.
Just what do they do? One main purpose is to break down other materials. They take chemicals from these materials and change them into forms that can be used by other living organisms. For instance, gardeners often make “compost piles” of grass clippings, leaves, kitchen garbage, weeds, etc., sometimes adding dirt and manure. Bacteria attack these materials, and in the process of breaking them down, generate heat. Different kinds of bacteria work this material over and over and, aided by the heat, change most of it into rich, soft humus. This, when added to gardens, helps to produce fine crops.
Other kinds of bacteria convert material into ammonia which is picked up by the roots of plants.
Some change materials to carbon dioxide which is released into the air for use by plants and trees. The plants and trees in turn give off oxygen which is essential to animal life. Still other bacteria are used to make butter, cheese, vinegar, yurt and many other food products.
Did you know that you have many billions of bacteria inside your body? Some are harmful, causing sickness and disease. Some harmful bacteria live on your teeth and others on your skin when they are not carefully cleaned. Cavities in your teeth are caused by bacteria, and when you cut yourself those on your skin can cause infection or blood poisoning.
This makes us think of Satan, a greater enemy, who does great harm to us when we are careless about our manner of life. We read that he “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may dour.” 1 Peter 5:8. When this evil one comes to us with his temptations, we should immediately turn to God and pray just as David did: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10. He can deliver us out of any temptation.
But most of the body’s bacteria are helpful and necessary to maintain life—one of the most important functions being the digestion of food. Without them much of the food you eat could not be used by your body.
Isn’t it wonderful how God has created such a tiny form of life to do such a big job? ".. God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Do you know our Creator as your God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your Saviour?
ML-04/25/1982