The most terrifying history series I’ve watched, by far, is Chernobyl—a dramatic re-creation of the collapse of the nuclear power plant in Soviet Russia. The most gut-wrenching and mortifying parts of the show are the way radiation is invisible to all the senses. Suddenly, without any warning, the person’s skin starts to melt, and they die horribly. Or maybe they die of cancer a few days, months, or years later.

If your stress levels went up reading that paragraph, your reaction makes sense on one level. But, of course, this happened decades ago and poses no real threat to you, personally, now.

Consider this headline from CNN: “1 in 5 Americans may have a dangerous toxin in their tap water.” Let’s unpack this finding and consider a bigger perspective to help peace win over anxiety.

What are the risks of dangerous toxins in tap water? 

A new report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that more than 3 million Americans are exposed to nitrates at levels exceeding 10 milligrams per liter in their drinking water (the federal safety limit is 10). The CNN article also points out that as little as 3 mg/liter has been connected to health risks. More than 62 million people have this level of water in their taps.

Despite their scary-sounding name, nitrates are a naturally occurring compound (oxygen and nitrogen). However, the presence of nitrogen-rich fertilizers near water supplies can increase nitrates to unhealthy levels. And different kinds of cancer risks and birth defects have been tied to nitrates.

CNN relates the hazards: “Invisible, tasteless and odorless, nitrates at low concentrations in drinking water have been linked to thyroid disease, gastric, kidney, bladder and colon cancers, preterm births and birth defects, and other health harms.”

Five solutions to the risk

How should we deal with information like this?

1. Policy solution: For public water supplies that tested above the legal limit (10mg/liter), the city is legally required to filter the water. Those places that tested at 10 mg/liter or above legally must take action to protect residents. Some argue that policymakers should lower the threshold to as low as 3 mg/liter. Currently, it’s not illegal for the water supply to have up to 9 mg/liter, despite the demonstrated risks. You could write your local and federal elected officials to pursue this if you believe in this solution.
2. Personal solution: Although expensive, consider installing a reverse-osmosis tap for peace of mind if your area tests above 3mg per liter. (You can find a map here.)
3. Statistical solution: Another approach is to realize that, according to the EWG meta-analysis, likely only a few thousand cancer cases or a few hundred serious birth defects are attributable to nitrates (out of the 2 million cancer cases per year diagnosed in the US). So, even if you do live somewhere with elevated nitrate levels, the risk is still exceptionally low, statistically.
4. Existential solution: Even if the risk were higher, an existential approach is simply to shrug off the concern. “It’s outside my control. Whatever happens, happens, and I’ll live my life.” This approach can feel unsatisfying to many.
5. Pragmatic solution: Chronic stress and anxiety (increased cortisol) seem to pose a considerably more dangerous long-term health risk. Constant and chronic worry (undoubtedly worsened by the 24-hour news cycle) will likely result in broadly worsened health. So why worry about little risks like this one?

While all these solutions have merit, and some are compatible, there’s a final approach that supersedes them all.

The Christ-centered way

While the Christ-centered approach is relatively consistent with all the previous solutions, biblical wisdom dictates that there are things in life we cannot control; they’re for God to control. When we die is one.

A memento mori is a reminder of your (and everyone else’s) impending death. Although as Christians, we value and pursue life, flourishing, beauty, and truth, death comes to all. The sting of death, however, has been annulled because of Jesus death and resurrection.

We cannot remove all risks in this life. Our bodies are fragile, and this world is broken. We can live life to the fullest, however, while remembering that we cannot stay safe forever.

Jesus said:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. . . Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33–34)

If we pursue kingdom aims, everything else will fall into place. It’s not that Jesus is saying we should not buy clothes, or go to work, or plan for the future. Instead, I think he’s saying the kingdom mindset and heart posture will include these things in their proper place—as important, but not worthy of worry or worship. “Worry” about today; live in the present.

So, although it’s great for us to take note of health risks, we shouldn’t let our minds be anxious. We’re safer in the shadow of Christ than we are in our ability to control our health. As Jesus says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a reverse osmosis filter or try to preserve your health! Your body is completely intertwined with your soul, but do not waste time, attention, and heart space worrying about tomorrow. Instead, “Set your minds on things that are above.” (Colossians 3:2)

Consider replacing a chunk of your social media and TV news time today with prayer and a walk, remembering to “Look at the birds of the air” and “Consider the lilies of the field.” (Matthew 6:26, 28). As our savior asks, “Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

His answer is a resounding yes. Do you believe him?

 

Denison Forum