Earth Day is a relatively new concept in the culture of North America. On the other hand, it is apparent that Native Americans were very conscious of the need to save the earth for future generations. When one removes the politics involved in the need to conserve, there are definite signs we need a consciousness of what God has provided and the need to treat it respect and appreciation.
Laying aside the “global warming” arguments and the attending political agendas, and the “going green” hype, there is biblical precedent to support the notion that Christians should consider their relationship to the earth. While the church usually focuses (and it should) on saving souls, there is a moral principle that requires that each generation insure the continuation of provisions for the next.
Some basic truths that are involved include the following:
1. We are part of the earth (at least for awhile).
2. We are part of each other.
3. Those that follow depend upon us to leave something.
4. What we have received, we should pass on to another generation.
While the earth is capable of providing food for over 6.5 billion people, if it is abused and not properly respected, some will go hungry. Some are hungry now. There are those who are trying desperately to spread the availability of food, but they need help. The job being done by some is remarkable, but it still is not enough. More are needed to participate.
It is reported that the solid waste generated in the United States every year is enough to fill a four-lane highway, stacked 10 feet deep, and long enough to circle the earth. Over half the landfills in the country are 80% filled and few new ones are being permitted each decade. A country that has enjoyed affluence has learned to be less than concerned for conservation.
Points to bring into consideration on the question of saving the earth should include:
I. THE EARTH BELONGS TO GOD (Psalms 24:1)
“The earth is the Lord’s , and all its fullness, the world and those that dwell therein.”
God created the earth for His purposes. He put man here to care for the earth according to Genesis 2:15-17. He is in charge, according to Psalms 47:7.
“For God is the King of all the earth. Sing to him a psalm of praise.”
Among the provisions God gave for conserving the earth was the establishment of the Year of Jubilee. Notice instructions to its purpose in Leviticus 25:3-4, 11-12, and 18-22). God knew the earth would need rest and provided that rest in this part of the Law of Moses.
II. JESUS PRACTICED CONSERVATION
While it is true the the primary role of Jesus on the earth was to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), He demonstrated a consciousness of the need to conserve. Note the cases when he did the miracles to create sufficient food to provide for 5,000 people on one occasion and 4,000 on another occasion. In both cases, he instructed that the leftovers be collected. In so doing, He taught a lesson opposing waste and demonstrated that littering is inappropriate. Find Matthew’s record of these events in chapter 14:13-21 and chapter 15: 32-37.
III. WE WHO “SOJOURN” HERE ARE TO BE STEWARDS
The earth still belongs to God. We who live here awhile should take care of the earth as He has instructed. We get to use it for awhile, but it is not ours. Psalms 119:19 presents a very important point that we should remember. “I am a stranger on earth.” The Apostle Peter reminded Christians in I Peter 2:11-12 that we need to see ourselves as “strangers and pilgrims” in our time on the earth. It does not belong to us. We borrow and use it for a season.
With Jesus, our first calling is to save souls. While we use this earth as a stage, on which to perform our calling, we should seek to preserve it and conserve it for those who follow.
W. E. (WILLIE) HAMBLEN
[email protected]Good-News-Network.org
