Going Green

I want to go green. I honestly, positively do from the bottom of my heart. It bothers me that my fellow Americans and I consume so incredibly much, abusing the earth by filling it with garbage and smog and acting like there are no consequences.

It troubles me the attitude that Christians have had concerning the world we have been put in charge of by the Creator. I've actually heard it said that it doesn't matter what we do with the earth because Jesus is coming back soon anyway.

I believe He's coming soon more than I believe in my own existence. That's not the point. The point is that God gave man a job to do at the very dawn of life. He told us to take care of the world and all the creatures that lived in it. We don't need a single other reason to do so. We should do it because He said so and it would please Him.

But obviously it would be to our own benefit as well. Who wants to live in a dirty world?

It's at this point that it gets sticky. So far, the only people interested in saving the earth are liberals who believe the theory of global warming. Radicals who would rather use grain in biofuels than to feed the hungry in poorer countries. What Christian could in good conscience go along with the ideas that are so obviously formed on the panic of living without a knowledge or belief in the God who created and sustains this world until He's ready to make a new one?

So I think it's time for Christians to make our own decision to "go green" in our thinking. There's no reason to consume so much. There's no reason for us to live like it doesn't matter. Recycling, buying organic or natural products, using less fuel and making less garbage are goals that each of us can and should work toward, because God wants us to. Be creative, think of ways that you can make a little bit of difference in the way you live. Try to get by with fewer diapers. Use washable water bottles instead of disposable. Take a walk or a bike ride for family night instead of getting in the car and going somewhere. Put a bin in your garage and throw your cardboard and other recyclable material in it and arrange for it to be picked up, or just drop it off at an appropriate site when it gets full. You'll be surprised how quickly it becomes habit.

Just a few suggestions, in view of the beautiful resources God has given us in this world. No need to panic, no need to despair that God does not have it under control. But every reason in the world to take care of what He gave us as a gift. To show our appreciation.

This picture is my dad's. You can see more of his photography on his website, link is on the left.