More than a Playground

I am writing this from La Presa, a small town in Atenas, Costa Rica. There are mangos, star fruits, and bananas scattered across the lawn. Toucans are perched in the trees, and iguanas are sunbathing on the roof. It rains every daya beautiful, cooling rain. We’re surrounded by mountains and tropical rainforests. There’s no air-conditioning and no hot water, but somehow everything feels incredibly fresh.

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While I’m here, I spend my weekdays studying ecology and ecosystem conservation at the School for Field Studies, and in doing so, I’ve been exposed to an incredible amount of literature on environmentalism. To be honest, environmentalism had never really interested me before. But as I read and learn about all sorts of methods of sustainability and conservation, I can’t help but wonder about the relationship between environmentalism and Christianity.

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God’s charge regarding our relationship with nature actually begins in Genesis, the very first book of the Bible. God tells us that Adam’s duty in the Garden of Eden was to work it and take care of it (2:15). And God blessed Adam and Eve to fill the earth and care for every creature in it (1:26-28). Think about that. The universe is nothing less than God’s masterpiece, a testament of His love, glory, and beauty. And He has entrusted it to usHis people, His children!

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We are stewards of God’s creation. The entire universeincluding our planetis the wonderful creation of a perfect God, and the only appropriate response for Christians is to embrace our calling as stewards of the natural environment. In everything we do, we need to remember that the world is so much more than our playground. It’s a beautiful gift to us, and it’s where Jesus Christ will one day return. Then heaven will meet earth, and He will renew and restore all things. Now, Jesus calls us to be part of His life-giving work, even as we are filled by the sure hope of His return. So let’s do everything we can to preserve the earth God has given us. Christian Davis

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What is one of your favorite parts of creation? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this.

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What are some ways we can be faithful stewards of creation in our everyday lives?

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How can we enjoy the natural environment and its benefits in ways that are honoring to God?

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The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Genesis 1:26-Genesis 1:31; Genesis 2:15; Psalm 8