Anyone who has renal failure will know that our kidneys are essential to life. When I was at school learning basic biology, I learnt that there are 7 features that distinguish living from non-living objects – respiration, nutrition, growth, reproduction, movement, sensitivity and lastly, excretion. The kidney is essentially an organ of excretion. It filters the blood and removes the unwanted toxins and waste products from the body. Many drugs are excreted in the urine. But the kidneys do so much more.
- The salt and electrolyte balance is maintained via the kidneys. When it is hot or after excessive exercise, our kidneys decrease the amount of urine made so as to conserve fluids.
- Blood pressure is regulated through a hormone produced in the kidney.
- Vitamin D, which controls our bone health is regulated and metabolised in the kidney.
- Erythropoeitin is another hormone produced in the kidney. This hormone governs the production of red blood cells and responds to the level of oxygen in the blood stream.
As Christians we are called to do so much more than simply go to church on Sunday. We are called to be salt and light in the world. In order to spread God’s gospel message of Good News we strive to get the “spiritual blood pressure” at the correct level – too high and we might come across as “happy clappy, holier than thou” or too low and people might wonder what we actually believe in. Our role within the church may not to physically keep the church standing, but it might be to be a spiritual, physical or psychological help to others. Lastly, we are to spread the good news that all can be saved through the blood of Jesus, who through conquering death promises us new life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father help us to see how we can all be a part of your kingdom work> We may think we do not have an important role, but let us see that we each play an important part, interconnected with each other. Amen