By: C.J. Lloyd October 25th, 2024

As Christians, we are called to be stewards of God’s creation. The Bible often speaks of our responsibility to care for the earth, reminding us that the world is a gift from God entrusted to humanity.

What is Environmental Stewardship?

Environmental stewardship is the responsible management of natural resources and the environment, ensuring that the earth can sustain life for future generations. This involves making conscious decisions about how we use resources, minimizing waste, and taking actions that protect the earth’s ecosystems.

From a Christian perspective, environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in our understanding of creation. Genesis 1:28 teaches us to “fill the earth and subdue it,” but this does not imply exploitation. Instead, it calls for wise, respectful, and caring management of the world around us. Likewise, Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” reminding us that our role is as caretakers of what ultimately belongs to God.

Why Should Christians Care About the Environment?

1. Creation Reflects God’s Glory
   • The natural world is a reflection of God’s creativity and majesty. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” When we care for the environment, we honor God by preserving the beauty and complexity of His creation.
2. Loving Our Neighbor
   • Environmental stewardship is an act of love toward others. Pollution and deforestation disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people around the world. By caring for the environment, we ensure that future generations and those in developing countries can access clean water, fertile land, and healthy ecosystems. Matthew 22:39 calls us to “love your neighbor as yourself,” which extends to how our actions impact others through the environment.
3. A Call to Responsibility
   • The Bible consistently teaches that with great blessing comes great responsibility. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” We are placed in the world as caretakers, entrusted with the responsibility to protect and sustain what God has created.

Practical Ways to Embrace Environmental Stewardship

There are many simple, practical ways to live out the call to care for creation in our everyday lives. These actions may seem small, but collectively, they make a significant impact:

1. Reduce Waste
   • One of the easiest ways to protect the environment is by reducing waste. This can be done by recycling, composting organic materials, and minimizing single-use plastics. In line with the principle of stewardship, Christians can embrace a mindset of reducing consumption and reusing resources to honor God’s creation.
2. Energy Conservation
   • Reducing energy use at home, work, and church buildings is essential in reducing our carbon footprint. This can be done by switching to energy-efficient appliances, using natural light when possible, and being mindful of turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
3. Water Conservation
   • Fresh water is a precious resource, and conserving water is crucial to environmental stewardship. Simple steps like fixing leaks, using water-saving fixtures, and reducing unnecessary water usage will help protect this vital resource.
4. Support Sustainable Agriculture
   • Christians can support sustainable and ethical farming practices by purchasing locally sourced organic food. These practices promote biodiversity, reduce the need for harmful pesticides, and often have less environmental impact than large-scale industrial farming.
5. Plant Trees and Gardens
   • Trees play a vital role in cleaning the air, absorbing carbon dioxide, and providing oxygen. Consider participating in tree-planting initiatives or starting a community garden, which benefits the environment, provides a local food source, and strengthens community ties.
6. Educate and Advocate
   • Part of being a good steward is educating others about environmental care and advocating for policies that protect the earth. Whether through conversations, church programs, or community events, sharing the message of creation care helps spread awareness and action.

The Spiritual Impact of Environmental Stewardship

Caring for the environment is not just a physical task—it has spiritual significance. When we engage in environmental stewardship, we reflect the character of God in our actions. Here are some ways in which ecological care strengthens our relationship with God:

• Gratitude for Creation: Taking time to appreciate and care for nature can deepen our sense of gratitude toward God. When we look closely at the intricacies of creation— the changing seasons, the diversity of plants and animals, or the beauty of a sunset—we are reminded of God’s creativity and provision.
• Living Simply: Environmental stewardship encourages us to live more simply and intentionally, valuing what we have rather than constantly seeking more. This simplicity can lead to a closer walk with God as we reduce distractions and focus on the essentials of faith, family, and service.
• Trusting God’s Provision: Living sustainably reminds us that God provides for our needs. Matthew 6:26 tells us that God cares for the birds of the air, and we can trust Him to care for us. Caring for the environment aligns our actions with this trust, recognizing that God has provided enough if we manage it wisely.

Environmental stewardship is an expression of our faith. It is a response to God’s call to care for creation, a way to love our neighbors, and a means of honoring the Creator. As we decide how we live, consume, and care for the earth, we should never forget that the world belongs to God, and we are its caretakers. By embracing this responsibility, we can make a tangible difference in the world, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and thrive in God’s creation. In doing so, we fulfill our role as faithful stewards, honoring God in the big and small ways we care for His world.