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Hello folks. Today's devotional covers health and safety, in a Biblical sense from both the NT and the OT.
Date | June 19, 2024 | Health & Safety |
Verse | Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV): "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Deuteronomy 22:8 (NIV): "When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof." |
Explanation | Philippians 2:3-4 is a passage from the New Testament that emphasizes the importance of humility and putting the interests of others before our own. While this passage may not directly relate to protecting others with safety regulations, the principles of putting others' needs before our own and avoiding selfish ambition can be applied to creating a safe and healthy environment for others. The verse can be understood as encouraging individuals to prioritize the well-being of those around them over personal gain or self-interest. In a practical sense, this could be applied by taking measures to ensure the safety and health of others, such as following safety protocols, speaking up when hazards are identified, and offering assistance when needed. Deuteronomy 22:8, on the other hand, is an Old Testament passage that specifically addresses the construction of a new house and the need to build a parapet (a guardrail or low barrier) around the roof to prevent accidental falls and subsequent harm or death to others. This passage highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to protect others from harm, particularly in the context of construction and building projects. |
Societal Relevance | The history of health and safety regulations in the modern world can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s. As industrialization led to increased urbanization and the growth of factories, the risks to workers' health and safety became a significant concern. Early efforts to address these risks included the establishment of labor regulations and the creation of worker advocacy groups. In the 20th century, the development of occupational safety and health regulations gained momentum, with the establishment of organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States and the International Labor Organization (ILO) at the global level. These organizations have developed and enforced a wide range of regulations and guidelines to promote workplace safety and health, covering areas such as hazard communication, biomedical regulations, machine safety, vigilance at various types of construction sites, and radiation protection. As Christians in the modern world, we can take several steps to protect others from harm, particularly in the context of health and safety. This could include:
For myself, working at a laboratory part-time, health and safety are paramount. While I do not operate lab equipment, my duties are to make sure that the lab is organized and stocked with the right supplies, and safety gear such as gloves. Every month, I also have to do a thorough check of the labs to determine if we are compliant with regulations in case of a surprise inspection. The work is easy, as my lab mates keep the place compliant, however, I did have to make sure that harmful chemicals such as protein destroying enzymes were stored at a height of ~5 feet (1.5 m) or less above floor level, to prevent leakage onto the workspace or any spills into people’s eyes. |
