Happy Earth Day!
Not in some weird-- I think you should abandon your house to a family of tree squirrels because it's clearly in nature's best interest for them to create a habitat there--kinda way. But more like a cheerful Woodsy The Owl , "Give a hoot don't pollute sort of way." (and if you are familiar with THAT reference, I'm guessing you're reading this through some pretty serious bifocals!)God did create the earth for us and gave us responsibility for it. Throughout the bible we're taught many examples of good stewardship.
SO what is a steward anyway? A steward is a person who manages another's property, financial affairs or anything really, as the agent of another. He or she is held accountable by the owner for the wise or unwise management of that property. Well, in this case, the owner is God. “The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Psalm24:1
We all heard the parable of the "talents" as a child. The master goes on a trip and leaves each servant in charge of a portion of his wealth. One servant did really well and made a huge increase, the next one did a pretty good job, but the third guy--not so much. He buried it in a hole and when the master returned, he was not too happy about it.
There are a lot of lessons we can take from this, but I think the main one is: Whatever God gives us is to be used wisely and in a way that brings honor to him.
We should treasure His creation just as any grateful child should revere a gift their loving father has given. Afterall, aren't the very best gifts handmade?
Genesis 1:26-31 The Message
Heaven and Earth
God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them
reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,
the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself,
and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."
God created human beings;
he created them godlike,
Reflecting God's nature.
He created them male and female.
God blessed them:
"Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."
Then God said, "I've given you
every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
And every kind of fruit-bearing tree,
given them to you for food.
To all animals and all birds,
everything that moves and breathes,
I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."
And there it was.
God looked over everything he had made;
it was so good, so very good!
It was evening, it was morning—
Day Six.
-- Post From My iPhone
