Creation Is In Crisis
Written by Abigail Isherwood. Artwork by Alice Wilkinson.
We are told in Genesis that we are to steward and care for creation. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15, NIV).
But creation is in crisis.
“Climate Change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment.”
“Climate change is already impacting people living in poverty. And climate change could push more than 100 million people back into poverty by 2030 if we don’t do something about it.”
"Reducing the causes of climate change is essential to the life of faith. It is a way to love our neighbour and to steward the gift of creation."
The climate crisis and the problems of climate change are not just about environmental conservation and protection. It is about climate justice. Climate justice means we not only look at the environmental degradation and damages caused by climate change, but we also focus on the people and communities who are suffering.
We have a lot to learn about how to become better stewards of creation in our everyday lives. We have a lot to learn about how we can better love our neighbours who are suffering as a direct result of this crisis. We have a lot to learn to become a people who hunger and thirst for climate justice. Jesus says “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6, NLT).
I am excited and privileged to be leading an Eco-Advisory Group here at the Belfrey. The work we have ahead of us, as a whole church, will be challenging and require radical changes in our lives. But it is good and necessary work. And we have a good Father and a good guide in Jesus.
After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus says to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” (John 6:12, NIV). In our current climate, reducing waste, food waste, energy waste, general waste, is a brilliant, practical step to live more sustainably and better care for our environment. Jesus continues to remind us that loving our neighbour and caring for creation often looks like practical, everyday acts such as collecting the rest of the food to make sure nothing is wasted.
My prayer for us as we go on this journey is that together we become people who hunger and thirst for climate justice. May we be filled with hope and joy as we learn to love our neighbours who are suffering. And may our eyes be opened to the practical, everyday actions we can take to become better stewards of creation.