Green Living in God's Creation

As Christians we are called to care for God's creation.

In Genesis 1:28, God told Adam and Eve to "Be fruitful and increase in number; 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."

But, what exactly does 'subdue' mean? I looked it up. It means 'to bring (land) under cultivation' or 'to bring under control.'

Does the Bible say anything about how we are to care for God's creation?

Yes!

I found some wonderful verses that show God's kind heart toward animals and trees.

And, I also found an amazing article, "The 'greenness' of God" by Andrew Lansdown, published in 'Answers' Magazine in December 1992.

I would like to quote some of Andrew's article and make some comments.

***The direct quotes are in green, and my comments are in black.

For the full article, click on the link above. :o)

Conservation In God's Creation

"What does the Bible have to say about the greenness of God?

The Bible consistently teaches that God created all things by virtue of His own power and wisdom (Revelation 4:11). Everything He made was good and gave Him pleasure (Genesis 1:31). To this day His eternal power and divine nature are plainly evident in His creation (Romans 1:20).

Now if God created all things, and declared them to be ‘very good’, it stands to reason that He is concerned for their preservation. This concern is plainly expressed at various points in the Bible.

For example, He commanded the people of Israel to avoid wanton destruction of fruit-bearing trees during warfare. He told them that when they besieged a city for a long time, making war against it in order to take it, they ‘shalt not destroy the trees thereof by wielding an ax against them … thou shalt not cut them down’ (Deuteronomy 20:19).

God also set rules for the protection of nesting birds. If the Israelites chanced to come upon a bird’s nest, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting upon the young or the eggs, they were not to take the mother with the young. They were to let the mother go (Deuteronomy 22:6,7). God is concerned about the conservation of His creation.

God’s concern for His creation is not business-like, but fatherly; not general, but particular. The Bible reveals that He knows and cares for the least of His creatures.

For example, He hears and feeds the young ravens when they cry out for food (Psalm 147:9). Likewise, ‘The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God’ (Psalm 104:21). At God’s altars even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, ‘where she may lay her young’ (Psalm 84:3). Indeed, Jesus tells us that God is aware of every small bird that falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29)."

I love what Andrew says about God's creation and His concern for conservation.

God is intimately involved in what happens in this world. So, it makes sense that we should care for and respect God's creation too.

Matthew 6:25-34 talks about God's gentle care for everything in this world. He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the fields with beautiful flowers.

But, He doesn't stop there.

Our heavenly father knows that we need food and drinks and clothing, and He will supply our needs. He is always faithful to provide - time after time!

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

Use What The Good Lord Gave You!

"God’s command (see Genesis 1:28 above) does not sanction wanton destruction of the environment, but it does permit — and even require — the wise use of natural and living resources for the benefit of mankind.

While some conservationists may object to the notion of human dominion over nature, there is not one who does not dominate nature in numerous ways. Even the most dedicated greenie must subdue creation to live.

He might object to the logging of native forests, but he is pleased to have jarrah floorboards and furnishings in his house.

He might not wear furs, but he does wear leather sandals or shoes cut from the hides that come from the slaughter yard.

He might not cat meat, but he does eat other living things, such as carrots and turnips, and thinks nothing of hoeing the vegetable patch to kill the weeds.

In short, he does what the Bible says he ought to do: he subdues (or encourages others to subdue) the earth for his own survival."

It's just unavoidable! We need to subdue the Earth in order to live. But, we don't need to completely destroy God's creation.

By the way - jarrah is a tall eucalyptus tree found in Australia. It is a durable hard wood that is quickly replenished because eucalyptus grows so fast. It's a 'greenie' favorite. :o)

God's creation is filled with so many unique plants and animals.

Lots of conservationists and vegetarians believe that animals are (or should be) equal to humans.

What does the Bible, and Andrew's article, have to say about this? Read on, and you will see just how much God loves you - above everything else!

Your Value In God's Creation

"The notion that other forms of life are as valuable as human life is utterly rejected by Christianity. The Bible teaches that human life is not only the most valuable life on earth, but that it is infinitely more valuable than any other form of earthly life.

Not all the rain forests, not all the seal pups, not all the great whales, equal the value of one human soul. This truth might seem outrageous when you compare the value of the whales against the value of a person whom you do not like or know. But it becomes rather wonderful if you compare it with the value either of your own life or of the life of someone you love.

How wonderful it is to know that the God who made all things, loves and values you above all things!

...The ultimate proof of the surpassing worth of mankind is found in the incarnation, when the Son of God became the man Jesus and dwelt among us.

He became one of us to bear our sins on the cross. The Bible teaches that all creation will ultimately benefit from Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 8:21). But this, in a sense, is incidental. For essentially ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ (1 Timothy 1:15).

Here we see the measure of our worth! And here we see God’s true colours: the fringe of His garment may be green, but the garment itself is white, and the insignia upon the breast is red."

I love this conclusion - a reminder that the Lord loves us more than His creation.

Jesus came to this earth to experience life with us, and to save our sins by his death and resurrection.

He didn't come to save the whales or set up butterfly habitats. He came to love us and set us free from sin. :o)

I love the "God's true colours" line. It gives me a wonderful mental picture of Jesus' priorities.

The green fringe shows His concern for the environment. But, the fringe is only a small detail of His garment.

His main concern was his sacrifice (the red insignia), and forgiveness for all who believe (the entire white garment).

This article gives me a balanced perspective on how 'green' I should be.

Of course, I want to care for this Earth. I want to do what I can to conserve the resources of God's creation.

But, I am going to enjoy what God has provided for food, shelter, and clothing (as well as some modern conveniences). :o)

So, be as green as you want to be!

Just don't loose sight on this important fact: the Lord loves you more than His creation.

He loves you so much that He provided this amazing world for you, and He came down to save your sins because He can't live without you!

Thank you Lord for your creation, for providing for our needs, for teaching us conservation, and for your never ending love for us. Amen!

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