Environmental Consciousness

As a Christian, I believe we are called to be environmentalists. God assigned us dominion over what He created and we will be held accountable for the massive damage we’ve created. We’re obviously already suffering the consequences.

The issues are so overwhelming – how do we even start? The astounding excess and staggering amount of waste we, in America alone, create is devastating. The insurmountable guilt for causing an animals extinction or of the “trash island” floating off the coast of Northern California is too much to bare. It makes me want bury my head under the covers and never leave my bed. However, I MUST think about and ACT on the things I can actually do to take care of MY environment. I recycle as best I can; I shop with cloth bags (when I remember I have them in my trunk); I’ve changed all the bulbs in my apartment with energy efficient bulbs; I’m due for a new car in the next year and will purchase a hybrid…etc. I’ve also been asked to participate on an “Ecoimagination Task Force” at work to identify, develop, implement and maintain “green” initiatives within our division. It will be exciting to be a part of making a difference on a larger scale at my office.

We all absolutely – without question or exception – need to be more concerned and more personally responsible to care for our environment. If we all do our part in our little piece of the planet then we WILL make a global impact. Especially in America – we’ve gotten so fat & sassy – it’s unacceptable. 95% of what is possible is in no way a hardship (it’s basically common sense) – it just may be a smidge inconvenient, and we’re lazy.

But at the same time, I’ve got to say I’m not a huge supporter of this whole global warming panic. Absolutely we need to be making people aware, to bring attention to the issue, to require corporations and industries to rework their businesses. (personally I feel laws should be established.) Absolutely we are and will continue to suffer for years to come the consequences of the industrial age and the damage we continue to do. Every action causes an equal and opposite reaction. We will reap what we sow.

However, the planet is not going to explode tomorrow. I don’t believe that the planet heating up by 1 degree every million years is cause for the panic being created in the media today. I read recently where the founder of the Weather Channel was going to sue Al Gore for fraud. He has been pushed to go to that extreme in order to have a balanced debate on the issue. Those in opposition with Gore have been silenced in mainstream media circles. I find it unfortunate that we do have such biased media – on all sides... so much for freedom of speech. And as a Christian, I believe in creation/intelligent design. Therefore, we as the created beings will not be able to destroy what God has created – He’s in charge. As God clearly tells Job – and by extension us - "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38 – 40:1-14)

Whatever your convictions on this issue the bottom line is… Be responsible people. Keep your mess to a minimum and clean it up. Do your part to diligently care for your piece of the environment in all ways. It’s our job – it was the very first and most important job given when God created mankind – to care for the animals and the planet.

If it’s in your power to do something, anything – no matter how small – then JUST DO IT!