Today’s Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31
26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”
27 So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
29 Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. 30 And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.
31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
Today’s Devotional
When we think about the gifts God has given us and our call to be good stewards of those gifts, we cannot neglect stewardship of the earth. It’s right there in the first chapter of the whole Bible! Everything that God created was called good. And everything that God created was given to us. We are called to be good stewards of the earth. Period. No discussion.
However, we are not doing so well in the stewardship department, are we? I don’t have the space to list everything happening to the climate and to the earth but here is a good place to start: www.climate.nasa.gov. This website from NASA gives a good overview of climate change and how it’s impacting all of us.
It can seem a little overwhelming to think about climate change. It can feel like the problem is too big and our contribution too small. But when it comes to being a good steward of the earth, we all have a part to play.
How can you be a better steward of the earth this week and going forward? Maybe it’s switching from water-bottles to a refillable tumbler. Maybe it’s being more intentional about recycling. Or maybe it’s as simple as picking up that piece of trash you see while you are our walking. We can all start somewhere.
The earth was given to us to use – but it was not given to us to abuse. There is a difference. Being a good steward means we recognize that difference and act with love and care for the gift God has given us.
Today’s Prayer
God thank you for the gift of the earth. Help us to be better stewards of it in whatever way we can.
Amen
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