Dear friends,
Trudy and I have dedicated countless hours to pondering and discussing what truly matters to us as Christians living in today's world. Each time we come up with a thought or a new idea, it leads us back to what we see as the cornerstone of our faith and the current times we navigate: caring for God’s precious creation and for one another, particularly those who are often overlooked, forgotten, and in need. Moving forward, this will serve as the cornerstone of our writing, with the hope that it will inspire us to remain true to Christ and our calling.
In a world that often feels disconnected from both its creation and the Creator, we believe Christians have a unique mission that aligns with God's design while extending a hand to those in need. Caring for the earth and supporting the vulnerable is not merely an afterthought; it is at the very core of our faith journey and our witness in the world.
Consider this: Is there anything outside of caring for each other, and the earth? Frankly, what more is there? Yet, it’s evident that a significant portion of our time, energy, and money goes into pursuing "the good life" for ourselves and with those closest to us. However, this pursuit doesn’t truly align with what the Scriptures calls the good life. From the beginning of time, we believe God had other plans.
When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, He entrusted humanity with its first task: to work and care for creation (Genesis 2:15). This calling goes beyond simple labor; it is a sacred responsibility. As beings created in God's image, we are meant to reflect His character through our interactions with the world around us. Stewardship is not the same as ownership; it’s about faithfully managing what fundamentally belongs to God.
Understanding "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1) is a profound truth that changes how we view our relationship with creation. We are not mere consumers; we are caretakers, not exploiters. When we approach God's world with wisdom and care, we honor our Creator and actively participate in His ongoing work of sustaining all that He has made.
An Act of Worship
Caring for creation isn't separate from our spiritual lives—it's an act of worship. Romans 1:20 reminds us that God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in what He has made. When we protect and preserve the intricate ecosystems God designed, we acknowledge His wisdom and power. Each restored habitat, each protected species, and each sustainable practice becomes a testament to the God who made all things "very good."
It helps us see how environmental stewardship is not a political or social position but a spiritual discipline. Creation care isn't merely about conservation but about conversion—hearts turned toward the Creator with a deeper appreciation of His handiwork.
A Compassion For Others
God's heart for creation is inseparable from His concern for the vulnerable. Throughout Scripture, we see that environmental degradation and human suffering are deeply intertwined. The poor often bear the heaviest burden of ecological damage: contaminated water, depleted soil, climate disasters, and resource scarcity.
Jesus declared His mission to "proclaim good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18), and James reminds us that "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress" (James 1:27). When we connect creation care with compassion for the vulnerable, we practice a holistic faith that addresses both spiritual and physical needs.
Practical Transformation
This vision calls us beyond theoretical agreement to practical transformation. It challenges us to examine our consumption patterns, energy use, food choices, and waste production. It invites us to ask how our lifestyle choices affect both God's creation and God's children—especially those living in poverty.
Simple shifts—reducing waste, conserving water, supporting sustainable businesses, advocating for environmental justice in disadvantaged communities—become spiritual disciplines that form us into more faithful disciples. When the fellowship of Christ works to lessen their ecological impact, it presents an opportunity for us to witness God's redemptive purposes.
Becoming Communities of Hope
In a world where environmental news often brings about feelings of despair, Christians are called to embody communities of hope. We engage in creation care not from a place of fear, but from a foundation of faith—confident that the God who created all things is actively working to redeem all things through Christ, "by whom all things were created," and through whom God is "reconciling to himself all things" (Colossians 1:16, 20).
This hope drives us to tackle complex challenges with both determination and creativity. It encourages us to strive for gradual progress rather than seeking perfection. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that every effort we make, no matter how small, contributes to God’s broader mission of renewal.
An Invitation
The call to care for creation while also serving the poor is not just another weight for weary believers; it's an invitation to embrace a more integrated and faithful Christian life. This is a chance to reflect God's character in meaningful ways, to forge a deeper connection with our Creator through His creation, and to stand alongside those whom Jesus referred to as "the least of these."
As we embrace this holistic vision, we discover that caring for creation and serving the vulnerable aren't competing priorities but complementary expressions of the same gospel. Our faithful stewardship becomes a living testimony to the God who created all things, who entered His creation in Jesus Christ, and who is making all things new. In a fractured world hungry for wholeness, this integrated witness of stewardship and compassion may be exactly the testimony our neighbors need to see.
We hope you will join us on this path, this quest of discovery and growth. As we embark on this journey together, let's embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Your thoughts, comments, and feedback are a chance for all of us to learn, to connect, and to make a positive impact on the world around us. Together, we can turn this vision into reality. Thank you for being a part of this exciting adventure!
Thanks for this. I was reading romans this A.M. and was reminded of the revelation that comes through creation. Glad to know that there are companies forging ahead with clean and renewable energy despite the lack of respect our current leadershp has for environmental concerns. It is in the very nature of created things that we can feel connected, renewed, and experience awe!! Keep up the good work!!
Thanks for writing this. I especially appreciated the reminder that environmental stewardship is not a political or social position but a spiritual discipline. I’m also thinking many other current day issues should be viewed through a spiritual lens and not political or social. It’s tough to do with so many opinions flying around us daily.