Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Environment: To Till and To Keep

 Colossians 1:9-20

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

As we observe the world around us today, we bear witness to the profound impact of human activity on the environment. Pollution, deforestation, climate change, depletion of natural resources has all taken a toll on our planet. It is evident that we have not always fulfilled our duty to till and keep the earth as God intended.
To "till" the earth is to recognize our role as caretakers and cultivators, being mindful of our habits and the effects of our actions on future generations. 
The theme for World Environment Day 2023 will focus on solutions for plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. The world is facing an overwhelming influx of plastic. More than 400 Mn tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. Out of that, less than 10% is recycled. Approx 20 Mn tons end up in lakes, rivers, and seas each year!
Every little bit counts - reducing waste within our homes by reusing & recycling, remembering to carry a grocery bag to the store, are all simple ways that may require a step-down in our comfort levels, but the ripples of our actions will play a huge role at the macro level.
Our focus verse emphasizes the preeminence of Christ in all things. By being good stewards of the natural resources around us - conserving energy and other resources, restoring and reducing waste, protecting natural habitats and ecosystems, practicing sustainability in our daily lives, and making choices that reflect our responsibility to care for His creation, we fulfill the Lord’s expectations of us. In doing so, we acknowledge that the earth and all in it belong to Him.
God’s will and purpose for us is that we understand His heart. We should understand that the earth belongs to God, and we are entrusted with its care. As stewards, we should approach the environment with humility, respect, and reverence, acknowledging that our actions should align with God's purposes and bring Him glory.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, including how we interact with God's creation. Whatever blessings, opportunities, resources and positions we find ourselves equipped with, let us remember that we are called to be faithful stewards of God's creation and agents of His creative work and purposes; tilling and keeping the earth with reverence, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility.

Prayer

Our Father, Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, we confess that we have not always been good stewards of the world you entrusted with us. Forgive us for the times we have neglected our responsibility to till and preserve it. Strengthen us with your grace, willpower, wisdom and creativity as we unite in working towards being better stewards of this world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
 

Thought for the Day

“We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Future Generations”‬


Sharon Mariam Mathew
St. Stephen’s MTC, New Jersey

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