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Going Green – God’s Way

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on October 6, 2008   Hot Issues •

It seems everyone I know is “going green” these days—whether that means carpooling to work, adding recycle bins to their home decor, or something else to help the environment. I have to admit: I’ve even been convinced to join the cause.

Barna posted an article recently citing the results of a study that advertising is boasting environmental friendliness as well as the presidential candidates through offering the best energy proposals. And, among them, are evangelicals, who are some of the top supporters:

“One of the intriguing findings of the research is that millions of evangelicals—often perceived to be on the sidelines of the green movement—have become more environmentally conscious in the last year. …

“Most Christians are not satisfied to be mere observers of the green movement. Three-quarters of self-identified Christians (78%) agree they would like to see their fellow Christians take a more active role in caring for God’s creation in a way that is both informed and biblical. Among evangelicals, 90% would like Christians to take a more active role in caring for creation, with 67% agreeing strongly.”

So what does the Bible say about being good environmental stewards? We do know God gave Adam dominion over “the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth” (Genesis 1:26; also see Genesis 1:28-30).

From this, we can see that God entrusted the earth to us—to our care and protection. So I don’t think He meant for us to squander away or harm the earth and things of it that He has provided for our well-being.

As a matter of fact, we can see proof of this in the New Testament. Jesus and the disciples fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. When the crowd was full, He told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted” (John 6:10-12).

As “going green” becomes more prevalent in our society, economy, political discussions, and such, let’s remember to take the first steps in showing others how much God’s gifts of creation and provision mean to us.

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