'Green' Christians?

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created.  When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens…the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and…The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:4, 7-8).

There has been a lot in the news lately about the environment.  Scientists warn that climate change will cause some species to go extinct.  Global warming will supposedly flood our coastal cities and result in more severe hurricane seasons.  Medical researchers worry about the health risks caused by smoke in the air and chemicals in the water.  Environmentalists are troubled by the dangers of nuclear waste. 

All this concern has resulted in lots of media buzz.  We hear terms like living green, carbon footprint, and sustainable lifestyle.  Many celebrities and politicians have taken up this cause.  There’s all sorts of advice available on how to be environmentally responsible.  But what is a Christian to make of all this?

We can save the world.  At least, that’s what we’re told.  We can save the world by living ‘green.’  We can save the world if we reduce our carbon footprint.  We can save the world if we reduce consumption and recycle our waste.  We have to save the world, because we depend on it for life.  If we foul it with pollution or exhaust its resources, it will lose the capacity to sustain us. 

But how much are you prepared to sacrifice in order to save the world?  Are you willing to endure hot summer days without air conditioning?  Are you willing to wear a sweater at home during winter so you can turn down the heat?  Are you willing to park the car and get around using your feet, a bike, or public transportation?  Are you willing to give up consumer electronics like cell phones and computers because they contain toxic metals?  Are you willing to reduce garbage by using cloth diapers instead of disposables? Since recycling consumes energy, are you willing to stop buying drinks that come in plastic bottles or aluminum cans?  Are you willing to mend clothing and fix appliances instead of replacing them with something new?

Even if you are willing to do all these things, can your actions really save the planet?  Can you persuade everyone in your family to live this way?  Can you get your boss to make his business fully ‘green’?  And what about people living in other countries?  Can they all be convinced to live sustainable lifestyles?  All things considered, how much impact will your sacrifices really make?

I like to breathe clean air.  I like the taste of fresh water.  I don’t like seeing litter blowing in the ditch, and I don’t like seeing leftovers thrown away after a meal.  God gave us the responsibility to care for this world and manage its resources wisely. 

But I can’t save the world, and you can’t either.  What we can do is use what God gives us responsibly.  We don’t do it to make ourselves feel good; we do it to honor God for blessing us with His gifts.  Saving the world is a job for the Lord; He made it, and He cares for it each and every day.  Jesus said, My Father is always at his work, to this very day (John 5:17).  If you trust in God, you can be sure that our world is safe in His mighty hands.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with being concerned about the environment.  God expects us to treat His creation with careful attention.  But is making your life ‘green’ the most important way for you to spend your time and money?

What about curing disease?  Cancer is still a major health problem.  There is no cure for Alzheimer’s.  Millions around the world are infected with AIDS.  Instead of spending money on ‘going green’, shouldn’t those dollars be spent on medical research?

What about war and terrorism and ethnic cleansing?  Each year, uncounted numbers of people are forced from their homes, blown up, or gunned down because someone wants them gone.  Many people live in constant fear of their lives, or have had their families ripped from their arms.  Instead of spending money on achieving a sustainable lifestyle, shouldn’t those dollars be spent on our armed forces?

What about public education?  Our country’s future as a world leader depends on the minds of our youth, yet many kids drop out of school before graduation, college is becoming almost impossible to afford, and kids in other countries consistently outpace ours in math and science.  Teachers are constantly leaving the classroom because other jobs pay so much more.  Instead of spending money on reducing our carbon footprint, shouldn’t those dollars be spent on making our schools better and more affordable?

Most important of all, what about those who don’t know Jesus Christ?  Over 2/3 of the world’s population has no idea that when they die, they will suffer in hell forever because Jesus has not forgiven their sins. Many live their entire lives without hearing a missionary or seeing a Bible.  What good will it be for a man, Jesus asks, if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? (Matthew 16:26) If we devote ourselves to saving the world but ignore the souls dying all around us, what kind of response can you and I expect from Jesus, when summoned to meet Him face to face? 

God put us on earth to serve Him and care for each other.  It’s important to use our resources wisely.  It’s important to minimize waste, fight disease, work for peace, and educate our children.  But there is nothing more important than having a good relationship with Jesus.  Do you support mission work with your wallet?  Do you pray for pastors and religious leaders?  Do you invite others to join you in worshiping Christ, the Savior of all mankind?  If you want to make the world a better place, this is where to start.

Every Christian should care about the environment.  After all, God made us to be the caretakers of His creation. The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. He told Adam and Eve, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground (Genesis 1:28).

So how does a responsible caretaker behave?  First of all, he remembers who owns the property; he does not use the things entrusted to him for selfish pleasure.  God is the Maker of all things; everything belongs to the LORD Almighty.  Second, a good caretaker thinks about the consequences of his actions; he does not want to spoil any resources that belong to someone else, or use them up wastefully.  When we die and stand before Him, God will demand an accounting of how we’ve managed His property.

One example of being a good caretaker is how you treat food.  On one occasion, Jesus fed a crowd of over 5,000 people using five loaves of bread and two small fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted" (John 6:12). How do you treat leftovers?  Do you throw them away, or save them for a future meal?  When you eat out, do you order more than you can finish?  Do you ask for a container so you can take the leftovers home with you?

Here’s another example—consider your driving habits.  Do you drive to a gym or recreation center to work out?  Why waste that gas when you could get exercise by just walking?  Do you make lists before you go on a shopping trip so you don’t drive around unnecessarily?  Do you carpool to school or work or out-of-town games? 

We waste things because we don’t think or we don’t care.  Either way, wasteful behavior insults the God who made everything, including us.  When we use things foolishly or negligently, we fail in our duty as caretakers of God’s world.  Thankfully, we can go to His Son for help.  Christ forgives our wasteful behavior and casual attitude towards God’s property.  We anger God with our laziness and lack of respect, but on the cross Jesus suffered all the punishment that we deserve.  With our sins forgiven, we can look forward to meeting our Maker, who will tell us well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! (Matthew 25:21)

From the very beginning, God has given us responsibility to care for His creation.  He expects us to take our duties seriously.  But the earth is not more important than God or our fellow human beings; Jesus said `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself ' (Matthew 22:27-39). Our first priority must always be our relationship with God; our second priority is family, friends, and all the people of earth.  Caring for the planet, while important, only comes in third place on God’s priority list.  And anyway, this world will not last forever; when Christ returns the heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare (2 Peter 3:10).  Peter reminds us that we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).  Be a good caretaker of God’s marvelous creation, but don’t let concern for the environment distract you from God’s Church and the people whom He loves.