Stewardship of CreationSample

Allow yourself to get lost

On a trek in New Zealand many years ago, I was left behind by the guide and the other members of the party. At a fork in the track, I decided I would turn right. I came up a steep incline and found myself in a dense forest of beech trees.

It was silent, light snow was falling and in front of me on the path was a stag. We stood looking at each other for a long time before he turned and vanished into the trees. It was a defining moment. A deeply spiritual moment. In losing myself, I found something deeper, something lasting: a forever, heart memory.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells us that we become a new creation when we give our hearts to Christ. The old life is gone. A new life has begun. We know that through Christ everything came to be. Jesus is supreme over all creation. Everything was created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). If I’m created for Him, and live now as a new person, those gifts He has given me, the blessings that I have, should be used to bless others. My spiritual gifts should be used to serve those around me (1 Peter 4:10).

Sometimes we should press ‘pause’ on the rough and tumble of life and see the world God has made and then connect with His amazing creation. In those moments you realise that to know Him, love Him, and serve Him as new creations gives life real meaning. This should be our ultimate focus.

Written by CHRIS PARFOOT