Thinking Christian: A Counter-Culture WorldviewSample

GOD is CREATOR

Here’s the deal: If you really want to care about the environment, you need to know Jesus. And if you say you know Jesus, you really need to care about the environment.

Just because these issues have become politicized, that doesn’t mean they’re primarily political. Yes, it's been taken up by activists and people throwing paint on the Mona Lisa, and some who go way too far by worshiping the earth or suggesting that plant life is more sacred than human life. But some Christians have gone to the opposite extreme and given up on creation care. The truth is that the church ought to be taking the lead in stewarding and respecting the environment that God has given to us. Why? Because God is the CREATOR, and from the beginning, He declared that all creation is “good.”

Men and women were created as image-bearers. That means that we are a visible representation on earth of the invisible presence of God. In Genesis 1, God commanded us to “subdue and rule over” all of creation. That doesn’t mean “use and consume” for only our benefit without regard to the consequences- that attitude comes after Genesis 3, after the Fall! What does it mean? Here are some biblical principles for us:

1- Creation belongs to God, not to us. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

2- Humanity is the pinnacle of God’s good creation. There is a hierarchy in the created order. God is the sovereign and providential Creator. Humanity is below God but above creation. The non-human creation is valuable in God’s sight, but below humanity. This is a theocentric (God-centered) view that allows us to both care for and subdue creation under God’s guidance.

3- Humanity is called to exercise both dominion and care over creation. God’s command in Genesis 2 tells us to work and care (NIV) or tend and watch over (NLT) the world God has made. While we have an imperfect capacity to responsibly steward the earth, we should not abandon stewardship.

4- Environmental stewardship is an act of worship toward God. It is an act of love toward our neighbors and future generations. It is an act of justice for the vulnerable. It is an act of respect for other cultures and communities.

5- We get to join God’s story in the restoration of all things! Just as our hearts cry, Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20), creation also groans for the ultimate coming of Jesus and his kingdom (Romans 8:19-22). And He is coming! Behold, I am making all things new (Revelation 21:5).

Ask Yourself:

-How does creation point your eyes toward the Creator (Colossians 1:15-17)?

-How does your lifestyle balance these principles of Christian environmental ethics [Technology and Restraint; Development and Conservation; Human Needs and Ecosystem Health; Present Use and Future Availability; Pragmatic Solutions and Prophetic Witness]

Pause to Pray:

Use Psalm 19 to praise God, our Creator.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork…

Take a Next Step:

Cultivate wonder and gratitude for God's world. What is God the Creator saying to you, and what are you going to do about it?