Christians Celebrating World Environment Day 2009
The United Nations General Assembly started celebrating World Environment Day in 1972, to coincide with the opening of the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment.
Commemorated yearly on 5th of June, it is one of the principal events through which the United Nations promotes worldwide awareness of the environment at the level of political action. The reasons for the celebrations include giving a human face to environmental issues, empowering people to be active agents of sustainable and equitable development, promoting an understanding that local communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues, and advocating global partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous environment.
With all the consumerism, environmental destruction, and lack of care for the earth's resources we see around us, there is very little reason to celebrate. In spite of all the advancement in science and technology, our mother earth is under threat and is groaning under the weight of human neglect and destruction (Romans 8:18-25).
Why should Christians care for the environment?
Care and concern for nature and ecology are at the heart of the gospel and an important mission of the church. Ecology and environment are closely linked to 'oikos', the Greek word for house or habitat, which God has entrusted to us from the beginning of creation to care for and protect. The Christian community needs to be aware of their access and responsibility towards mother earth's bounty and its limits. Addressing climate change by helping in reducing carbon emissions is one very crucial challenge Christians face today.
Many people have been turned off by environmental activists who try to make them feel guilty for being alive and using air. As Christians we know that the present world is temporary and that the elements will someday melt with fervent heat (2 Peter 3:10, 12). Although this gives Christians perspective, it is certainly not a license to abuse the earth or be arrogant toward it.[1]
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (Psalm 24:1) is a scriptural call for environmental stewardship. Scripture clearly states that God created, blessed, protected and made a covenant with nature and all the species in it. As stewards of His creation, we are called likewise. It is our biblical and moral duty to protect and care for nature and our earthly habitat.
How do we as Christians make a difference for God and His creation?
Be aware that our care for creation is a moral issue beyond economics;
Be a good steward for God's creation around us;
Encourage local church members to study and live by the biblical injunction on caring for the environment;
Contact our elected officials to remind them of our concern for the protection of the environment from greed, exploitation and control;
Live like a shepherd, not like a wolf. Remember that recycling is almost like an act of worship.[2]
Environmental issues are a major concern of our day. Christians should do their part to help the earth glorify God. We must also spread the gospel message, telling others about the Creator of heaven and earth and how good but vulnerable creation is.
Freddy De Alwis
CCA-JID
5 June 2009
[1] De Young, Donald, "Weather and the Bible
[2] Fund for Christian Ecology, Christians for Environmental Stewardship. Bush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
