Honoring God Through Care of His Earth

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of our relationship with the Earth and all of God’s creation. We are often preoccupied with our connection to God and our fellow human beings, forgetting that our stewardship of the environment is also a vital part of our Christian journey. As the Bible clearly emphasizes our duty to love God and love others, it also teaches us profound lessons about our relationship with the Earth.

1. God’s Creation: A Gift to Cherish

The Bible tells us that God created the Earth, its flora, fauna, and all natural processes. He declared each part of His creation good and blessed them, expressing His will that they flourish (Genesis 1:1-2). Furthermore, God sustains all creation, underscoring His sovereignty over everything (Psalm 104, Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 4:11). The fall in the Garden of Eden marred not only our relationship with God but also our connection to one another and all of creation.

2. The Earth Belongs to God

It is crucial to understand that the Earth and everything in it belong to God, not us. We are stewards, not owners, entrusted with caring for His creation. Our relationship with the Earth should be God-centered rather than self-centered. Referring to this role as “creation stewardship” underscores that the Earth is His creation, not just our environment. Just as we show respect to others by treating their possessions with care, we honor God by taking care of His Earth.

3. The Primary Purpose: Glorifying God

The Earth’s primary purpose is to glorify God, not merely to sustain us (Colossians 1:16, Revelation 4:11). While God has blessed us abundantly with essential resources such as water, food, and shelter, we must remember that the Earth’s proper role is to declare God’s glory. It is a testament to His majesty, power, beauty, and goodness (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1-2). We are encouraged to observe and learn from God’s creation throughout the Bible. Our actions can either enhance or mar this divine revelation.

4. Caring for God’s Creation as a Pro-Life Endeavor

The Bible teaches us that our relationship with the Earth is intertwined with our well-being. Humans are a vital part of the ecosystems we inhabit, formed from the dust of the Earth. Thus, stewardship of creation is about caring for the planet and nurturing human life. Our actions directly impact the environment, which in turn affects human lives.

A Call to Creation Stewardship

To be effective stewards of God’s creation, we must adopt a mindset of stewardship, not consumption. Our relationship with the Earth should reflect the dominion that a shepherd has over his flock, caring for it and helping it flourish. We must promote the flourishing, not the depletion, of the natural resources God provides through His creation.

Committing to creation stewardship is a powerful way to love our children, grandchildren, and those suffering from environmental degradation. It also provides an opportunity to witness God’s love positively. Discussing environmental issues can lead to conversations about our faith in a world disconnected from nature. Creation stewardship is not about “saving the planet” or prioritizing nature over souls. It’s about honoring God, loving others, and sharing His blessings through the wise care of His Earth. Through our dedicated stewardship, we can ensure that future generations will inherit a world that continues to reveal the majesty and goodness of our Creator.

‌~PW 🌮🛶