Beekeeping Matters

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 

~Genesis 1:26

Two friends of mine, Hugh "Buddy" Williams and Joan Slemenda, have written a book about beekeeping. Its detailed information is written in a format for beginners so they won't be overwhelmed by all that's involved with beekeeping. There's even a journal to help the beekeeper keep track of the duties of caring for the bees. Buddy has kept bees for 50 years and Joan has also had hives for 15 years. Both can speak to the importance of knowing the little things that will help others be successful as beekeepers whether as a hobby or as a career. 

One of the first things the Lord commanded Adam and Eve was to have dominion over the fish, the birds, the cattle and over every creeping thing, like bees. Anyone who has a pet knows they need to care for that pet but have we realized how important it is to take care of all of creation? Anyone would realize that "creeping things"- insects can not be real pets like dogs and cats so why would God command us to have dominion over them? 

Does "have dominion" mean rule or does that mean care for? 

The answer to the question may be in first simply observing bees. Many of us tend to squash every bee we see. I get it. They sting and sometimes cause deadly reactions but bees like everything else in creation have a purpose. They are our pollinators. Without the bees there would be no food. When the bee enters a flower to gather the pollen for honey she also unintentionally dusts the pollen from other flowers helping produce fruit and seed to feed us and animals and to continue its own growth. 

What can we learn from bees? 

Worker bees have many jobs in their short lifespan. The younger ones care for the larvae, the baby bees. As they mature, the workers build the hive structure. Then the older workers gather the pollen that will be turned into the honey used to feed the hive and us. 

We go through stages in our lives as well. As young Christians, we are just learning about the Lord and how to serve. Then we build the structure, the church, becoming disciples, growing in the Lord, studying His Word, and spending time with other Christians. We often serve as Sunday School teachers, or nursery workers, choir members, or musicians. As mature Christians, we go into the "fields" witnessing to others. We may serve on the visitation crew, as deacons, as choir directors, or as pastors. 

Each of us has a job and that job depends on our maturity and willingness to fulfill that job. If the bees weren't willing to go into the fields as they matured the hive would die of starvation. If we are not willing to take on the responsibilities of a Christian, the church will die. 

Heavenly Father, help me not to be a pew warmer but a worker in your kingdom. Help me be aware of things I can learn and things I can do as I mature in You. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

If you are interested in learning more about bees or becoming a beekeeper, you may order from BeekeepingMatters@gmail.com.