Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Stewardship of Environment

Daniel Thomas

Orlando MTC, Florida
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
 
Life becomes meaningful when we are in relationship with the Creator and His creation.  The intention of the Creator is not that we live in isolation, but that we include everything that was created.  In creation the life system is mutually sustaining.  Together it is effective and powerful.  A rope is strong and effective, not each individual fiber.  The very existence of every living being is dependent upon the equilibrium of the environment.
 
Genesis chapter 2 highlights the role of humans as fellow creatures and caretakers of the earth.  "The Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it "(Gen. 2:15).  Being a caretaker doesn't involve total dominion or freedom to do as he/she likes but to obey God's rule on earth.  And God's rule is not the rule of tyranny but the rule of benevolence that serves the interest and well being of all of His created subjects.  Thus the created order is maintained.
 
The world we live in is created by God and humans who are created in His image and likeness (Gen. 1:26) are placed in it, so that they may live together happily and abundantly.  However, as time passed the planet earth has changed drastically by environmental pollution, industrial greenhouse gases, and indiscriminate dumping of harmful wastes.  Even the oceans are becoming acidic to a point that no beautiful creature and plants can survive in it and it may soon reach a point of extinction.  We now live in a world created by God but modified and recreated by man according to his own selfish motive.  Man thus changed his role from stewardship to one of ownership.  All these have been the result of human sin towards nature in various forms.
 
Dalai Lama said, "We humans have the responsibility as well as the capability to protect the earth and its habitats - animals, plants, insects and even micro organisms.  If they are to be known by future generations, we must act now."  We are summoned to enter the cosmic sanctuary.  We are to marvel with the diversity of life in creation.  The Creator has given us the power to convey His blessings to all creation, a power that we sometimes turn selfishly towards ourselves.  Let us tend to the creation below and seek guidance that are above.

PRAYER

Gracious Father, forgive our selfish attitude towards the environment.  Strengthen us to be a part to maintain Your intention of creation.  Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
To mistreat God's creation is to offend the Creator.  Author Unknown

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