Creation care is a responsibility of followers of Jesus Christ.  Christopher Wright explains:  “God is the earth’s landlord and we are God’s tenants. . . . As in any landlord-tenant relationship, God holds us accountable to himself for how we treat his property (The Mission of God, 397).

Key Scriptures – What the Bible teaches us about creation

Genesis 1:26-28 – According to Genesis 1, God created the earth as a good place for human beings to live.  God created human beings to represent him (that’s what it means to be created in the ‘image of God’) and to exercise authority over creation and bring it under control – not abusively but positively. 

Genesis 2:15 – Humans are responsible to exercise great care over the earth and to serve it. 

Psalm 24:1-2 – The earth belongs to God, not to human beings!  Humans are tenants, while God is the owner.  God is the earth’s creator.  This reminds us that we are to worship God, not the earth.  It also reminds us that the earth is not God.  Rather, it is a creation of God.

Psalm 104 – This lovely poem praises God for his power and wisdom as it is reflected in creation.  God is the creator and the sustainer of life on earth.  The vivid descriptions (such as “He makes springs pour water into ravines”) remind us to notice how beautiful and wonderful God’s creation really is! 

Matthew 6:25-34 – Jesus teaches that God’s care of creation the birds and the flowers assures us that God will care for us.

Romans 8:19-22 – Creation has a future!  Even though it is currently in bondage to decay (a result of human rebellion – see Genesis 3), it will one day share in the glorious freedom of God’s children.  2 Peter 3:10-13 must be read alongside Romans 8:19-22.  Some conclude from 2 Peter 3:10-13 that the earth is going to burn up and be replaced.  But the destruction described there is a purging and purifying. 

Key Practices – How we respond to what the Bible teaches us about creation

1. Consume Less – This is the key to caring for the earth!  We can conserve energy by turning off lights and turning down heat or air conditioning.  By using less paper and water, we can give renewable resources more time to replenish.

2. Reuse – We can get longer life out of products like clothes, furniture, and cars by using them longer ourselves or by donating them to charities who distribute them for reuse.

3. Recycle – By using our recycling bins, used materials can be processed into new products.

4. Never Abuse – Don’t litter! Dispose of waste properly, including motor oil and batteries.

5. Restore – Damaged or neglected lands need our help.  A great way to get involved is by volunteering for a Restoration Workday at a Lake County Forest Preserve.

6. Enhance – Make good places even better by planting trees, shrubs, flowers, or crops.

Prepared by Pastor Steve Mathewson, September 2008