Restoring and Preserving our Planet

God has given me a challenge in my heart. It is a call to action. It is a call to restore and preserve the planet I call home. Though I have always appreciated and loved the Earth, I have never taken His command to govern our planet seriously. Instead of focusing on what I could do personally, I have instead, concentrated on the extremists within the environmentalists’ movement. I have felt righteous as I demanded they take the splinter of hyperbole and hysteria out of their own eyes. But, all along, I was blinded by the plank that had hindered me from seeing my faults. I have been guilty of not obeying God’s initial command to humanity.

God’s first command to all humankind was twofold.[i] He first called us to multiply the earth. I don’t know about you, but with 7 billion people living on our planet, I believe we have done an incredible job of multiplying the Earth.[ii] Sufficed to say, we have passed that test. The second part of God’s command is where we have failed miserably. He commanded humanity to govern the earth and all its inhabitants. This was not a suggestion, it was a command. Unfortunately, we have been tested and found wanting.[iii]

Where did we go wrong? Why are we taking for granted this beautiful planet God has given us? I believe indifference, greed and selfishness have blinded us from our duty to take care of the home He has given us. Instead of taking responsibility, some Conservative Evangelicals have even said the destruction of our planet is a sign of the coming of Christ. I’ve got news for them. The destruction of our planet is a sign of our disobedience and irresponsibility toward the Earth. We need to stop making excuses and begin the process of doing our part in restoring and preserving our planet. We must become responsible caretakers of this world of ours.

Whether we like it or not, we have no excuse. God has given us clear instructions on how to be responsible stewards of the Earth and its inhabitants. Throughout His Word, God has shared with us His desire, not only for our lives but the lives of the rest of His creation. He wants us to take care of every living creature on Earth.[iv] Now, I know that concept is contrary to the thinking of many Conservative Evangelicals in America. They believe in the survival of the fittest approach to life. That may sound good in a Clint Eastwood movie, but it is not the desire of the Creator of the Universe. He loves all of His creation, and He wants us to cherish it as well. When we step away from our responsibility, allowing the extinction of a species we could’ve saved, we have failed our God. When we look away when someone is abusing an animal, we have failed our God. Animal cruelty is an evil God will never accept nor condone.[v] When we destroy our land, forests, air and sea, we have failed our God. We need to stop this madness. We, as Conservative Evangelicals, have got to take a stand against the environmental atrocities happening across the world. There will be irreparable consequences if we don’t take heed to His call. 

We need to understand, our disobedience affects not only our well-being but the well-being of the rest of God’s creation. If we don’t correct our mistakes; our planet, along with our children’s children, will pay the price.[vi] It is time we step up to the plate. No longer can we continue our silence and inactivity. For too long we have stepped away from the public arena when it comes to the environmental issues we are facing today. We have allowed the Environmentalist Extremists to take control of the topic of the restoration and preservation of the Earth. Because of our indifference, they have been able to take the lead in the cause of the health of our planet.[vii]

Will We be Found Faithful?

We, as Conservative Evangelicals have got to make our voices heard. Our indifference toward the health of our planet is not only unbiblical but illogical as well. How can we say we love and want to serve the God of the Universe, yet turn our back on the home He has given us out of greed and earthly pleasures? We cannot serve both God and worldly possessions.[viii] My question to you is simple: where is your heart?

I believe greed has blinded us from our responsibility of governing our planet. For too long, we have gauged success in life to prosperity. Too many churches in America believe the fruit of God’s blessings is materialistic in nature. That is not the teaching of Jesus. God wants us to focus our attention on heavenly treasures, not treasures of the Earth. Compassion and contentment are the callings of God’s children, not indifference and greed. So, where is your heart? Is your heart drawn to God and His treasures, or is it drawn to the treasures of the Earth?

Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I know God blesses individuals with material gains. He will not, however, bless those who misuse and abuse our home for the sake of riches on Earth. Never confuse material riches with God’s approval and blessings. They are not always the same thing. Let us stop building monuments of our “greatness”. Let us instead build sacred monuments of God’s goodness and grace.[ix] For, “wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21, NLT). Will we be found faithful to God’s calling?

 God desires we govern His creation with the same mercy and grace He has ruled over us. For instance, when we take care of animals, we are showing the rest of the world the face of God, for the “…godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel” (Proverbs 12:10, NLT). Are we showing the rest of the world God’s mercy and grace?

In the end, we will all be tested. God will judge us for the things we do on Earth. Will we be found faithful? There is no escaping the Day of Judgment where we will all be held accountable for our actions. That includes the way we treat the earth and its inhabitants.[x] When tested, will we be found wanting, or will we rise to the occasion?

Building a Bridge of Commonality

The Environmentalist Extremists now have the ball. Let’s face it, we gave it to them. Are we willing to get back into the game, or will we continue to allow their rhetoric to be the only voices heard concerning the health of our planet? The Earth deserves our voice. Let’s get back into the game for the sake of our planet and our God. The only way we can do that is to focus on the areas where we do agree. I am not asking us to trust their predetermined computer generated false doctrines and data espousing the evils of humankind and the imminent death of the Earth. I am asking us to find a way where we can join forces, working together in areas where we do agree with one another. 

Both sides have to make the decision to put aside our differences, building a bridge of commonality for the sake of our planet. Are you ready to join forces for the sake of the home God has given us? As Conservative Evangelicals, God is our Creator, and we are His creation. God is our Father, and we are His children. God is our King, and we are His servants. Let us stand up and become the responsible environmentalists He has called us to be. Let us restore and preserve the beauty of God’s wonderful creation.

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[i] Genesis 1:27-28

[ii] Current World Population (n.d.). Worldometer. Retrieved from http://www.worldometers.info/ world-population/

[iii] Daniel 5:27

[iv] Psalm 8:6‑8

[v] Exodus 23:5; Proverbs 12:10, 27:23; Ezekiel 34:2-4

[vi] Genesis 3:22‑24; Isaiah 24:4‑6; Jeremiah 2:7; Ezekiel 34:17‑18; Hosea 4:1‑3; Romans 8:19‑22

[vii] Kruschwitz, R., Garland, D., Hornik, H., Wirzba, N., York, T., & Author Bouma-Prediger, S. (2001). Moral Landscape of Creation. Christian Reflection: A Series in faith and Ethics. Baylor University. Retrieved from http://www.baylor.edu/ifl/christianreflection/Creation.pdf

[viii] Matthew 6:24

[ix] Isaiah 5:8; Matthew 22:37; Mark 4:19; 1 John 2:15‑16; Luke 16:2,10,13

[x] Revelations 11:18

The Beauty of God’s Creation

 

Why six days? Have you ever asked that question? Why would God spend six days creating the universe when He could’ve done it in a blink of an eye? I believe God was showing us how much He cherishes the diversity of life. By designating six separate days, He showcased each part of His creation for you and me. When looking back at His creation, God blessed it, knowing what He had created was good. The sun and the moon, the stars and the planets filled the galaxies with splendor. The mountains and the valleys, oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes were created not only for His pleasure but ours as well. The trees and all vegetation covered the earth bringing both provision and enjoyment. The animals; both great and small, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and the myriad of insects on both land and sea prepared the way for God’s greatest creation: humankind. All of God’s creation was and is precious in His sight. God cherishes His creation, and He expects us to do the same. 

Experiencing God’s Splendor

While pastoring my first church, on occasion, I would go camping by myself Friday and Saturday. Finding the most remote place possible, I would set up camp. Sitting on a rock, I watched the Symphony of Life on full display. I remember on one occasion, several deer pranced across the terrain, occasionally stopping to graze. From a distance, I heard a rustling sound as a fox, its ears piercing through the blades of grass, searched for the field mice scurrying below. A hummingbird buzzed by my ear as other birds flew overhead. They filled the sky with splendor as they darted in and out of the field singing their chorus of praise. The trees danced in unison as a fresh breeze delivered needed relief from the scorching summer evening. Scattered throughout; Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, Texas Bluebells, along with other beautiful flowers, cast their intoxicating fragrance and elegance to an already perfect setting. Mesmerized, I watched as dragonflies, bees, butterflies and grasshoppers, completed the colorful canvas, declaring the beauty of God’s magnificent masterpiece: Planet Earth. 

As the sun set, the moon lit the sky, introducing a brand new portrait, filled with new actors. From a distance, I could hear crickets playing their version of the Symphony of Life. Owls swooped through the night air as bats fluttered in circular formations, casting an eerie yet beautiful setting. Crackling sounds sent shivers down my spine as creatures concealed by the shadows of the night scampered throughout the field. Where they were going, I did not know. In the midst of my anxiety, I felt the presence of the God of the Universe. My fear was slowly replaced by peace. At that moment, I was one with nature. I was one with God. Laying down, I thought to myself, Who am I You would care about me, my God? What makes me so special? My eyes grew heavy as I drifted to sleep. That is when His still small voice spoke to me. 

I Did This All for You[i]

My Child, I did this all for you. At the beginning of time, I thought of you when I shined a light upon the Earth. The composition of the Symphony of Life was performed to usher in My most precious creation. Each movement was orchestrated, creating a paradise for all humanity. I gave you the sun and the moon, shining a light both day and night so you will never have to walk through the shadows of life alone. The luster of the stars flashes throughout the galaxies, revealing My supremacy and grace for all to see. My affection for you unfolded when I separated the land from the sea. I filled the continents with life and nourishment. From the ground sprouted seed-bearing plants and trees, filling valleys, terrains, meadows, mountains and rainforests with everything you could possibly need and desire. Yes, I gave you a home filled with beauty and grace. I gave you a home where we could meet face to face. The creatures of land, sea, and air completed the magnificence of this beautiful place. Yes, My Child, I did this all for you.

When Adam and Eve fell from My grace, I announced My redemptive plan for all of humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, I revealed to My Children the elements of My plan. I told them I would provide a messenger to announce their Messiah’s coming. I shared with them the place the Messiah would be born, His Triumphal Entry, how He would be betrayed, His humility before His accusers, and finally the way He would die for their sins. I planted the seed that made the tree My Son hung on to set you free. Yes, My Child, I did this all for you.

Go and shine your light in this darkened world. Show them the way back to My love. Be patient with one another, showing only kindness even when hate is directed toward you. Do not be envious of what others have, nor flaunt what I have given you. See others as more important than you. That is when you will be a shining light upon a hill, revealing My love and grace to all humanity.

I also desire for you to be a good steward of the home I have given you. In your hands, I have entrusted My creation. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the livestock, and all living creatures. Yet, humanity has treated My creation with indifference. They have failed to preserve the home I have given them. Through the sin of callousness and greed, humankind has altered the beauty of Eden, defiling the purity of My original design. It is time for My people to stand up and proclaim, “We will no longer stay silent while humanity continues destroying the Earth and its inhabitants for their pleasure and gain. It is time we restore and preserve this beautiful place we call our home."

That morning I woke up with a calm in my spirit and a challenge in my heart.

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[i] Genesis 1-2; Nehemiah 9:6; Job 25:4-7, 27-30; 38:1-7, 25-30; Psalm 8:3-8; 24:1‑2; 65:5-13; 66:4; 95:1‑7; 104:10‑13, 25‑30; 148; Isaiah 40:12, 26; 42:5-10; 43:20‑21; 44:24; 45:12; 55:12; Matthew 5:14-16; 6:26; Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 1:16

The Master Conductor

In the beginning, the Master Conductor walks across the stage as it stretches across the meadow with every step He takes. A sea of Angels, Cherubs, Seraphim, and Creatures of Heaven stand, as they roar with approval. From out of the forest, animals; both great and small make their way to the stage. They too are invited to this glorious event. A sweet aroma fills the air from the medley of flowers artfully sown throughout the countryside. Butterflies and hummingbirds darting in and out, create a beautiful ballet as they delicately dance upon the pedals. The trees surrounding the meadow complete the setting as their branches sway ever so slightly from the cool breeze sweeping across the valley.

Acknowledging His audience, the Master Conductor bows. He is dressed in fine linen. His hair flows like a wave of the sea. His face shines as brightly as the Morning Star. His eyes are filled with compassion, and His baton; black as the purest ruby. As He stands behind the lectern, it sparkles in a kaleidoscope of colors, while flashes of lightning stream from its base. The stage is glistening with sapphire, reflecting its radiance upon The Orchestra of Heaven. Their instruments of glory; perfectly tuned. Their clothes; white as snow. The time of waiting was finally over, for The Symphony of Life was about to begin.

With a wave of His baton and a wink of an eye, the Creatures of Heaven respond, shooting into the sky. Sweeping in and out of the orchestra, they shout, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Master Conductor.” Suddenly, a bright light flash across the universe, spotlighting a small planet light years away. The audience roars with approval as their emotions flood the venue with exuberance. The Master Conductor turned as He took a bow. The first movement was now complete.

Turning back, He raises His hands as the audience take their seat. A melodic beat emerges from His heart, filling the solar system with the harmony of His love. The Earth responds as it begins revolving, dancing and singing to its Creator. He waves His hands fluidly through the air, giving the Earth a new look: He gives it a sky. The Angels jump for joy. They could now see clearly His masterpiece through the firmament as it opens a window to the Earth below. The Symphony of Life is now set in motion, and the Angels continue shouting for joy. They know they are witnessing the jewel of all creation. Turning to one another, they whisper with glee as the Master Conductor takes a bow. The second movement has come to an end.

He thrusts His hands as if He were pulling the galaxies onto the stage. The Earth shakes uncontrollably as mountains and land rip through the surface of the sea. Waves crash on the shores as gasps are heard throughout the audience. In a blink of an eye, the Earth becomes alive. All types of trees and vegetation spring into action. The Mighty Oaks reach toward the heavens, waving their branches to the beat of their Maker. The meadows, valleys, and fields also spring to life. A fresh breeze sweeps across the Earth, creating a sea of grain. Flowers, unrestrained, vault out of the ground. They saturate the Earth with a splendor never before seen. Their petals and blossoms flutter in unison, swaying to the rhythm of the music above. The audience jumps out of their seats. Their applause permeates the vastness of the phenomenon called life. What once was lifeless and void has now become worthy of its Maker. It has become worthy of the Symphony of Life. Motioning, He beckons His audience to take a seat. “My masterpiece has only begun, My friends,” He says with a grin. “We are only halfway through.” Taking a bow, He spins around as the third movement draws to a close.

At the beginning of the fourth movement, He begins to hang the stars in the darkness, illuminating the planets as their rays dance across the cosmos. The song of Day and Night fills the hall with a soothing medley that captivates and entrances the audience. His arms begin to carve through the air as His torso moves to the rhythm of the music as it flows through the universe. Two great lights shatter the medley, bringing the song to a climactic finale. When they cease their movement, they hang delicately into place. One brings light for the day and another for the night. The audience lean in their seats in amazement, enthralled by what they are witnessing. They cry out for more, not wanting this night to end. He laughs as He bows, knowing the best has yet to come. “Relax My friends,” He speaks ever so quietly. “We have two movements left in this Symphony of Life. My greatest masterpiece has yet to be revealed. There is so much more to hear and see.” He twirls and gestures, and stands tall and strong. The fourth movement of His Symphony has drawn to an end.

Raising His hands, He fills the Earth with the most beautiful creatures ever seen. In the sea swarms fish and sea creatures of every kind. In the air, the birds complete the sky. With a smile, He blesses them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, this place is now your home. Live in peace with one another and enjoy the rest of My creation.” The Master Conductor spins around with joy, as He acknowledges the audience applause. With a bow, the fifth movement has come to an end.

Lifting His hands, He shouts with glee. “Come forth all creatures of the Earth. It is time for you to shine.” Suddenly, throughout all the Earth scurries all kinds of animals, great and small. They lift their eyes toward Heaven while bowing to their Maker. The Angels shout, crying out for more. “Relax My friends,” He says with a chuckle. “The centerpiece of My Symphony of Life is about to rise.”

In the middle of a little garden, His greatest creation begins to stir. You can hear the gasp of anticipation throughout the universe. Even the creatures of land, sea and air stop what they are doing. They, too, know something special is about to happen. “Come forth My children. I breathe life into your soul.” From out of the ground humankind emerge. Placing His baton on the lectern, the Master Conductor kneels as He reaches into the heart of His masterpiece. He reaches into the heart of humanity. “I am your Creator and Heavenly Father,” He speaks ever so softly. “I have made this all for you.” With a smile, He continues as He places His hands gently on their faces. “Cherish what I have given you and follow Me. Multiply the earth and never allow greed to plunder the beauty of My creation. Govern it wisely and never forget who I Am. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I will always be by your side.” As He stands, His face beams with pride. The performance is now over. But the Symphony of Life; His greatest composition, continues playing to this day, inviting His creation to worship and praise.