Caring For Creation

 

“The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” —Psalm 24:1

Scripture: Matthew 6:26–30; Genesis 2:15

Jesus paid attention to creation.

Birds.

Flowers.

Mustard seeds.

Trees.

Vineyards.

Fields.

Weather.

Water.

Jesus continually uses creation as a window into the character of God.

“Look at the birds of the air,” he tells his disciples.

“Consider the lilies.”

Notice them.

Pay attention.

Jesus seems to assume that creation has something to teach us.

Today, conversations about the environment can quickly become political.

We argue about climate, energy, regulation, economics, and what responsibilities belong to governments, corporations, or individuals.

Those questions matter.

Weather patterns are clearly changing, and not in a good way.  

Devastating floods and fires are happening in parts of the world where they haven't before.

This summer was the hottest on record for parts of Europe that are ill-equipped for it. 

Endless triple-digit temperatures in the U.S. are no longer confined to the Southwest.  

There's a lot to ponder, and inevitably people start taking sides on the issue.  

But perhaps Christians can begin somewhere more fundamental.

Whose world is this?

Scripture's answer is clear.

“The earth is the Lord's.”

Creation isn't merely a collection of resources for us to consume. God called it good long before human beings arrived.

Genesis describes humanity's responsibility using words that mean to serve and keep the garden.

We are caretakers.

Stewards.

People entrusted with something beautiful that does not ultimately belong to us.

So perhaps the WWJD question becomes wonderfully practical.

Would Jesus waste what could be used?

Would Jesus consume endlessly simply because he could?

Would Jesus care whether polluted water harmed a poor community?

Would Jesus care about what kind of world children inherit?

Would Jesus teach us gratitude for the food, water, land, animals, and ecosystems that sustain our lives?

I think he would.

Creation care doesn't have to begin with politics.

It can begin with love.

Love for the Creator.

Love for our neighbors.

Love for generations we will never meet.

And love for this extraordinary world God has entrusted to us.

Pay attention.

Waste less.

Use wisely.

Enjoy deeply.

Protect what you can.

And occasionally do exactly what Jesus told his disciples:

Look at the birds. Consider the flowers.

Then remember whose world this is.

Prayer

Creator God, thank you for the beauty and abundance of this world. Forgive me when I take your gifts for granted. Teach me to live gratefully, consume thoughtfully, and care faithfully for what you have entrusted to us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. When do I feel most connected to God through creation?
2. Where could gratitude lead me toward more responsible choices?
3. What is one practical way I can care for God's creation this week?