Saving the Earth

I have nothing against Earth Day, although I do think it's become so commercialized with nearly every company touting "green" products or "eco-friendly" practices. As Christians I believe that we are called to use our earthly resources wisely every day, not just once a year or because it's the popular, "PC" thing to do.

God created the earth and everything in it, and therefore what He created is good and not to be taken advantage of or abused. However, this earth as we know it will one day pass away, to be replaced by a new earth that will be eternal. And while I'm all for recycling aluminum and using tote bags instead of paper and plastic to cart my groceries to the car, I need to remember that God is far more interested in saving this planet's inhabitants rather than saving the planet itself.

So as television shows and retailers mark "Earth Day", I too want to acknowlege it in a few ways:

-Reducing noise pollution by steering clear of gossip, slander, and complaining, three areas that I tend to struggle with quite often. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. (Col. 3:8)

-Recycling kindness and generosity: A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (Prov. 11:25)

-Sowing seeds for the kingdom: Then Jesus came to them [the disciples] and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

Let's honor the Creator by taking care of ALL of His creation--not only the earth, but the people He has put into our lives on this earth as well.