Citizen Project

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chron. 7:14

Stewardship of the Earth

In different interpretations of the Scriptures, we allow that some believe a six-day or day-age reading of the Creation account in Genesis, while others see God’s fingerprints in scientific theories about the origin and design of the universe. Even so, we all join with the psalmist in declaring: “Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).

We recognize the blessing and responsibility that comes with God’s gift of dominion over “every living thing that moves upon the Earth” (Genesis 1:28-30). God has richly provided food and shelter, as well as resources for innovation and recreation. Our grateful enjoyment of these things should not give way to gluttony, entitlement or misuse.

In respect for our stewardship of the Earth—and the sanctity of the human life it sustains—we must take seriously the concerns of our modern society regarding the environment. Apart from any debate about probable causes of climate change, many patterns of production and consumption are unsustainable and harmful to current and future generations.

We must be sensible about supplies of water, food and fuel, and problems of pollution and waste—not just in our own nation, but also as a global mission. As Christians and as citizens, we must examine how our personal habits, community action and state and national priorities all combine to advance good stewardship of the Creation entrusted to us by God.

Questions to Consider

• What do you think is the current level of environmental concern among Christians?
• What does it say about our attitude toward God’s Creation?
• What is it teaching the next generation about our view of God?
• What are some practical ways in which you are personally mindful of caring for the Earth as you appreciate the resources it provides?
• What are some areas in which you could improve?

Genesis 2:15 - “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

 

Genesis 1:31 – “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”

 

Genesis 1:28 – “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’”

 

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.”

 

Psalm 19:1-3 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice in not heard.”

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” – Martin Luther

“To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them.” --Theodore Roosevelt

“There must be a reason why some people can afford to live well.  They must have worked for it.  I only feel angry when I see waste.  When I see people throwing away things that we could use.”  - Mother Theresa

  Stewardship of the Earth

  Why we Love the Earth

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