Experiencing God as Love: Care of the Earth
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.”
God created the heavens and the earth, and God said, “It was good.” God gave us stewardship to care for the earth, and I don’t know if God would find that it was good.
There have been two major climate reports issued recently. One was from the IPCC, which is an intergovernmental group connected with the United Nations. The other is a report mandated by the Congress of the United States and issued by the White House. Both reports indicate that planet Earth is in a precarious position.
In Forum this fall, we had a study on “Embracing Wholeness: An Earth Perspective for Covenantal Living.” The premise of the study is that we must be in mutuality with human and nonhuman lives around us to care for the Earth. The good news is that Christians can partner with God to bring wholeness to the entire creation. People of faith have a pivotal role to play in the transformation for lasting change to occur. Scientist Gus Speth has said that the top environmental problems are greed, apathy, and selfishness. In order to deal with these, we need a cultural and spiritual transformation.
God has made several covenants with us. God created us, called us to care for creation, and set us free from the bondage of sin. This is not easy, but it is worthwhile, as it gives us the opportunity to know God and creation in new and exciting ways. God has a deep abiding love for us. We need to work toward wholeness, but as we do so, we must remember that we are loved, we are sacred, and above all, we are beloved children of God.
Prayer
May the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit be among you, everywhere and always, so that you may be a blessing to all creation and to all the children of God, making peace, nurturing and practicing hope, choosing life, and coming to life eternal. Amen.
~Connie Takamine