There is much in the world today made of the word "natural". It is very sad since the things of God could be considered "natural". But, today man has defiled much of what God has created. Sin has marred God's perfect work. The whole world groans under the wickeness of man.
My concern this morning is the desire of many to grow healthy food for their families. When we think of "natural" in the garden, we think of oraganic gardening. This would include "natural" manure. Yes, it is Biblical that in the days of Jesus they used dung to fertilize their trees. Today, children have died from eating an apple that fell into the pasture where cows roamed.
E. coli is only one disease that is spread via cow manure. It may be that BSE (Mad Cow Disease) is spread this way also. It makes no sense to refrain from eating the products of animals then to put their feces into our gardens. Disease is excreted through the waste products of animals.
When purchasing "compost", read carefully the products being used. Many contain manure and some sewer sludge. There is no safety in using manure in our gardens. At one time it was acceptable, but today when the animals are very sick, it is a very dangerous practice. Compost may be added to the garden. Waste products from the kitchen combined with leaves and grass clippings (no weed and feed) will provide a rich compost.
It is called "reform". Some will not make these needed changes, but others will see the wisdom in doing so. The health of our families is a sacred trust.