“So God did just that. He created humanity in His image, created them male and female. Then God blessed them and gave them this directive: “Be fruitful and multiply. Populate the earth. I make you trustees of My estate, so care for My creation and rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that roams across the earth…The Eternal God placed the newly made man in the garden of Eden in order to work the ground and care for it.” -Genesis 1:27-28 & 2:15 [VOICE]

A Time to Think…
“On this Earth Day, let us respond to the great hope of Christ, who reconciles all things. Let us become the children of God, which creation waits for. And may the triune God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, refresh us with his Spirit in this work we do.” -Matthew W. Humphrey, MD-Theological Studies-Regent College, using Theology with Environmental Action

A Time to Act…
We are born into a wondrous world in which all of our needs are provided for by the hand of a generous and loving God. Part of what makes us unique as human beings (image bearers of God) is our unique capacity to cultivate and shape the world around us. But, the earth has a problem—it’s you and me! We seem to have forgotten that we must be “caring for and keeping” the garden (Genesis 2:15) and our “ruling over and subduing” creation (Genesis 1:26-28) are the fitting actions of a human life rightly oriented toward God, our neighbors and all of Creation. Remember, we can do this with God’s help!

A Time to Pray…
O God of all Creation, we come to you with a contrite heart, knowing that we have not been the best stewards of this beautiful planet you made for us. Help us to shed our selfishness in how we have trashed the earth, and give us a new perspective on keeping this earth a place that is healthy and vibrant for the generations to come. Forgive us and fill us once again with the awe and responsibility to care for your gift of this earth for all people, AMEN.