“You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority—the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.” Psalm 8:6-8
God calls us to be good stewards of his creation. However, there’s a balance between destroying resources that are irreplaceable and idolising creation. On the one hand, we know that unique animal species are becoming extinct because humans are destroying their habitats for excessive financial gain. On the other hand, some are treating animals with more value than children who are being neglected and abused. What is a godly response?
We remember we’re part of a body of believers. Individually, we cannot respond to all the needs in our world. Yet God has gifted and empowered members of his Body to work in different ways for the benefit of his world. Some will work with abused and neglected humanity, others will work on environmental projects that will bring about good outcomes for people as well as creation. We seek God’s wisdom as to where we play our part.
Second, we pray. We can’t be involved in every Christian organisation doing godly work around our world, but we can pray for many of them. Much human suffering and environmental problems are caused by financial expediency and human greed. We can ask God to, “break the strength of the wicked, but … increase the power of the godly” (Psalm 75:10). We also pray for wisdom for those in authority and decision-making positions (1 Timothy 2:2).
At all times, we have hope because we look forward, “to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
Let’s pray …
Thank you Lord that I have the hope of a world filled with your righteousness. Even so, right now, I acknowledge I am a steward of your creation.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
