As we consider the world we live in today, the necessity for a biblical perspective on environmental stewardship is more crucial than ever.
In 2022, the Pew Research Center released data on how religion intersects with Americans’ views on the environment, particularly Christian beliefs. The findings were worthy of a pause for concern:
- While 58% of Americans consider that Holy Scripture accommodates lessons concerning the environment, the interpretation of those lessons reveals a spot in understanding.
- Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said that God gave humans an obligation to guard and take care of the Earth, including its plants and animals.
- Yet, a smaller majority (54%) also said God gave humans the best to make use of the Earth for humanity’s profit — and nearly half (48%) hold each views.
Yikes! It appears that only half of Christians in our country have cracked open a Bible to learn God’s truth about our role as stewards of His creation. These findings reveal that many Christians lack a solid biblical worldview, and this disconnect is deeply troubling. The Church today faces a challenge — instilling a correct understanding of creation care that begins with the Creator Himself.
First and foremost, we must instill a deep desire to never lose sight of our biggest responsibility: sharing the Gospel and saving souls. While environmental stewardship is very important, we’re called to worship the Creator, not the creation. It’s the Great Commission that commands us to go and make disciples, and that’s our ultimate priority.
The sanctity of life and the creation of mankind in God’s image is what made creation “superb” (Genesis 1:31). The sticker on my laptop — featuring a baby panda holding an indication that reads “save the newborn humans” — is a continuing reminder to me (and people I work with!) of our priorities as Christians.
Our Culture Focuses on the Earth, but Rarely its Creator
In our tenuous political landscape, it may feel like one side of the partisan aisle “owns” the best to steward the earth. With political arguments, breathless filibustering, and fear-mongering, young individuals are left feeling confused, fearful, and divided. Rather than avoiding conversations concerning the environment with the younger generation for fear of disagreement, engage along with your kids. Today, within the U.S., young people designate environmental issues because the primary issue on the voting ballot.
In fact, recent data shares that around 70% of individuals aged 16-25 are extremely fearful or very fearful concerning the climate. Fear, confusion, division — these are schemes of the enemy. Good news — in Genesis 50:19-21, the Holy Word tells us that what the enemy meant for evil (namely, on this case, fear), God turns for good.
Together we will take control of this fear and as a substitute motivate our youngsters and youth to work for change that honors God and their neighbors. They can practice an eco-conscious lifestyle while pointing back to the why behind their what, or slightly, the Who behind their responsible stewardship! Young people can and may consider how their actions today can affect the well-being of others world wide, motivating them to make selections that promote sustainability and compassion towards all creation.
Today’s culture is not going to instill a biblical worldview in your kids — as a substitute, if left to the world, each of us would come away with a mishmash of ideas, some in direct contradiction to the Truths God establishes in His Word. We are surrounded by ideas, voices, and variety of thought greater than ever before — is Sunday service the one place your kids are hearing God’s Truth?
Through the work of engaged parents, committed ministry leaders, and dedicated educators, we may give our youngsters the “Godly goggles” it takes to see through culture’s opinions to find God’s unshakeable Truth. At American Heritage Girls, we’re committed to raising Godly girls with a firm understanding of Biblical Truths. Teaching environmental stewardship through this lens is important. We are called to take care of the earth, but more importantly, to reflect God’s glory in doing so.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Dilok Klaisataporn
Patti Garibay is the founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, (AHG, www.AmericanHeritageGirls.org), a national Christ-centered leadership and character development program. For nearly three many years, AHG has been on the forefront of countering the culture by leading women and girls to create lives of integrity. Patti is the creator of Why Curse the Darkness When You Can Light A Candle?, a story of trust and obedience to encourage those that desire to make Kingdom impact yet struggle with the fear of inadequacy. Patti is the host of the Raising Godly Girls (RGG) podcast and “Raising Godly Girls” one-minute radio feature which helps to equip, affirm and strengthen girls with timely Scripture-based advice.
