The Oldest Profession

…That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:21-22

Paul had it right long before the Second Law of Thermodynamics was articulated. Matter and energy deteriorate gradually over time. Things don’t tend to improve on their own. Things tend to decline. If you need proof, just look in the mirror. (Sorry for that depressing thought).

One day all of creation will be renewed (Revelation 21). But, until then, the whole creation is “groaning.” Considering that creation is destined for decay, but ultimately for transformation, believers often take a lackadaisical approach to the earth. Yet God’s first assignment to human beings was stewardship over creation (Genesis 1:26, 29). Our first God-given responsibility was to care for God’s creation.

Now, I know that is much division over environmental issues. On one side we have granola-eating, tree-hugging, earth-worshippers and on the other side are conservative-right wing-FoxNews watching folks. I really don’t think the issue is that cut and dried. Nobody wants to swim in a polluted river. No one wants to turn the landscape into a giant garbage dump (although the state of Nevada might be a candidate).

We can make some very simple changes to make the earth a better place. Even though this is just the temporary home, we are living in it. Here are a few suggestions:

• Recycle instead of throwing away. You could even make a little money.
• Donate everything you can instead of throwing it out: furniture, clothing, etc. You get to help a charitable organization in the process.
• Stop junk mail. Wouldn’t that be nice?
• Switch to reusable food storage containers.
• Check your hot water heater. Lower the thermostat and your gas bill.
• Inflate your car tires to keep them from wearing out so quickly.
• Avoid releasing balloons into the sky.
• Potty train your children. Enough said.
• Use fluorescent bulbs. They last a long time.
• Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Do without.

There are tons of good and ridiculous ways to be good stewards of the environment. Just google and you’ll find plenty.

This earth was never meant to last forever. One day God will “recycle” it too. But, in the meantime, this is where we live. We should do our best to take that “first assignment” from God seriously and make the world a good place for everyone and everything.

Now, some of you may be thinking, “What kind of devotional is this for today?” Just roll your eyes and remind yourself, “Oh yea, he’s from California.”