Earth Day
Did you know that Earth Day is the largest celebrated observance in the world? It makes sense when you consider that most of the holidays people observe are faith-based. While we may have differing strategies for caring for the planet, just about everyone agrees that God’s creation is worth saving. We stand united on Earth Day as admirers of God’s creation.
As Artemis II recently traveled around the moon, I was intrigued by the language that the scientists used to describe the vast beauty they encountered. As I listened to the livestream, I noticed that they seldom found the right words in the English language to describe the beauty of the Earth. Their loss for words almost became comical because they were asked to describe what they were seeing over and over again. One astronaut jokingly said, “I need a thesaurus!”
Our home is indescribably beautiful and needs protection. It is true that rapid technological advancement is bringing down the cost of renewable energy. It is also true that stricter environmental regulations are achieving higher standards. Still, at current pace, our efforts are not adequate. Greenhouse gas emissions are reaching record highs and rising sea levels continue. We grieve together for the loss of biodiversity. Today, there is more agricultural livestock than there are animals in the wild.
We are fortunate to live in Florida, where the environment is seen as a sacred treasure and is also fundamental to our economic success. Still, even in Florida, we face obstacles. Recently, authorities narrowed the scope of Clean Water Act. This means that 7 million acres of Florida wetlands will lose federal environmental protection. Without that protection, development is inevitable.
Why is the care for the environment relevant to Christian faith? Because for far too long the church has taught that God gave the Earth to humans. If we own it, then it must be ours to pillage and destroy. The truth is that the creation belongs to God. Despite the misguided interpretations of Genesis, we are not at the center of nature. We are not above the natural world; we are within it. We are participants in its destruction. We are not destroying something outside us, but we are destroying ourselves.
The task is daunting, but I assure you that hope remains! My prayer is that we let go of the notion that land left idle is without value. My prayer is that we make a pact with the planet, that we will treat the Earth as we wish to be treated. We must do this not just for the sake of the environment, but for our own spiritual health.
God often moves slowly, but God is moving! God is awakening hearts, forming leaders, and guiding us toward the future that is prosperous for us, the planet, and everything in it!
Enjoying the view,
Pastor Lucas
