Live JustlySample

Justice and Creation Care

The Bible demonstrates to us that life is inherently about intertwined relationships and relatedness. 

As theologian Margaret Barker writes: “The biblical world view is a vision of the unity of all things...one divinely ordained system known as the eternal covenant, the creation covenant.” 

This is a worldview that stands in marked contrast to the materialist approach to creation that is one of the defining hallmarks of modernity. Far from a prevailing cultural practice of dominating the earth for material gain, the Christian worldview on creation starts from a universe that is radically alive and precious. In this universe, humans have a unique role that encompasses but also goes far beyond ‘stewardship’. 

In Leviticus, we find the biblical concept of Jubilee: a story that provides us with hope and inspiration for how God’s people can live in right relationship with him, each other and with the land. 

Firstly, Jubilee speaks of environmental restoration. In practice this would mean us living within environmental limits, ensuring that our economy works with, rather than against, the creation that God has given us. In keeping with Psalm 24, the abundance of the earth belongs to all of us, and ultimately to God. That comes with responsibilities both to steward it carefully, but also to share the proceeds of that natural wealth fairly. 

Secondly, Jubilee speaks of rest for those living in poverty, and the assurance that everyone was able to meet their basic needs, providing an enabling environment and basic floor of security and protection to everyone. It would offer a foundation for human flourishing and all people being able to realize their potential. 

God’s intention for creation includes a powerful emphasis on humans’ role to show steadfast love for God and each other, and care for God’s creation as part of an interconnected set of shalom relationships. When our relationship with creation is broken, it has devastating impacts on all of our relationships. This is worrisome, because we’re living at a time when the strain on creation is greater than ever before. 

Many of the changes needed to respond to our environmental crisis and related humanitarian crises involve sacrifice – but also, paradoxically, offer us the chance to live more fully. They require us to reject conformity with the lifestyle patterns around us and blaze a new trail. 

As Christians, God has entrusted us with caring for His creation and all those living within it. We can and should take steps to allow creation to flourish.

“It is not possible to love an unseen God while mistreating God’s visible creation.” - John Woolman

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for actions I have taken that harm Your creation. Please guide me to be more aware of protecting the world You have made. Help me see how the actions I take affect Your creation and my brothers and sisters around the world. Guide my decisions to live in shalom with all of creation.