THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26

Introduction

The beauty of creation was a testament to God’s power, wisdom, and love. However, this divine act was followed by an equally significant responsibility given to humanity: the call to be stewards of God’s creation. 

In the book of Genesis, God entrusts humanity with caring for His creation. This responsibility is not merely a task but a divine calling that reflects our role as God’s stewards. As we examine our role in this world, we must understand that our relationship with the environment is a significant part of our Christian witness. 

In this week's sermonette, we will explore what it means to be stewards of God’s creation, how this stewardship is an integral part of our faith and the practical ways we can fulfill this calling.

The Biblical Foundation of Stewardship

The concept of stewardship is deeply rooted in Scripture. From the very first pages of the Bible, we see that God entrusted humanity with the care of His creation. In Genesis 1:26, God gave humans dominion over the earth, which is not a license for exploitation but a call to responsible management.

In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to "work it and to keep it." The words "work" and "keep" imply cultivation and protection. As stewards, we are called to work the land, ensuring it flourishes, while also safeguarding it for future generations. This dual responsibility highlights the balance we must maintain between use and conservation.

Furthermore, in Genesis 2:19, God brought all that he had created to man to give names to them, "And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name." This is not for pride but a shared responsibility with the Creator. Giving names to creation is our full acceptance of the given responsibility to work and keep them as stewards of His creation. 

The Garden of Eden: A Model of Stewardship (Genesis 2:8-15)

The story of creation begins with God planting a garden in Eden and placing man in it. This garden was not just a physical place; it symbolized the world that God entrusted to humanity. The responsibility to “work and keep” the garden emphasizes two key aspects of stewardship: cultivation and preservation.

• Cultivation: As stewards, we are called to cultivate the earth, work, and develop it in a way that brings forth its potential. This includes everything from agriculture to technological advancements that should be used to enhance and sustain life. Almost everything we see around us from renewable and non-renewable resources to natural and artificial articles are from the earth. Cultivation of the earth has brought them for our own benefit and use.

• Preservation: Alongside cultivation, we are commanded to keep or protect the earth. This means safeguarding the environment from harm and ensuring that the resources God has provided are available for future generations. Preservation is facing greater challenges in our generation as though there is no sense of stewardship. 

The responsibility given to Adam in the garden is the same responsibility that rests upon us today. We are not owners but caretakers or stewards of God’s creation. Our stewardship must reflect God’s intent for a world that is both productive and preserved.

Christ: The Creator and Sustainer (Colossians 1:15-19)

Paul’s letter to the Colossians reminds us of the cosmic scope of Christ’s work. All things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him. This truth elevates our understanding of creation and our role within it. If Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, then our stewardship of creation is a direct reflection of our relationship with Him.

Recognizing Christ as the center of creation places our environmental stewardship within the context of our faith. Every tree, river, and mountain is part of a creation that points to Christ "In Him [Christ] all things hold together." Therefore, how we treat the environment is a reflection of how we honour Christ Himself.

The environmental crises we face today—galamsey, climate change, deforestation, pollution—are signs of a world that has forgotten this truth. Our role as stewards is to remember that all things hold together in Christ, and our care for the environment is part of maintaining that divine harmony.

In his encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis noted the interconnectedness of all creation and the need for an “integral ecology.” He reminds us that our relationship with the environment cannot be separated from our relationship with God. Destruction of the environment ultimately leads to the degradation of human life, especially for the poor and vulnerable, who are most affected by environmental changes.

The Faithful and Wise Steward (Luke 12:42-48)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks of the faithful and wise steward who is entrusted with his master’s household. This parable underscores the seriousness of stewardship. The steward is accountable for how he manages what has been entrusted to him, and there are consequences for neglect or abuse. "And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating." (Luke 12:47).

Just as the steward in the parable was accountable to his master, so are we accountable to God for how we care for His creation. Environmental stewardship is not optional; it is a requirement of our faith.

Jesus teaches that “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” We have been given a beautiful and bountiful earth, and with that comes great responsibility. The consequences of failing in our stewardship are not just spiritual but also practical, affecting the lives of others and the world we live in.

Stewardship as our Environmental Witness to the World

When we care for creation, we bear witness to the Creator. Our stewardship reflects our acknowledgment that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). It is a tangible expression of our love for God and our neighbors, both present and future.

The church’s commitment to environmental stewardship can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool. In a world increasingly concerned with ecological issues, demonstrating our creation care can open doors for conversations about the Creator. By showing that our faith compels us to protect and nurture the environment, we can draw others to the One who made it all.

Our faith must move beyond words to actions. Let us share some thoughts to live out our call as stewards of God’s creation:

Adopt lifestyle changes that reduce environmental destruction. This includes no littering, no blocking, reducing waste and pollution, conserving water, using energy-efficient appliances, and supporting renewable energy sources.

As a Christian, engage in advocacy for policies that protect the environment such as anti galamsey, dumping of refuse in drainages, open defication, deforestation, etc. This might involve supporting legislation that addresses climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. The church can serve as a platform for raising awareness and mobilizing communities to take action.

Encourage community-based environmental projects such as tree planting, community gardens, and recycling programs. These initiatives do not only protect the environment but also strengthen community ties and serve as a witness to the broader society.

Conclusion

Our reflection on Genesis 2:8-15, Colossians 1:15-19, and Luke 12:42-48, make it clear that stewardship of God’s creation is a central part of our Christian faith. We are called to care for the earth, not as owners, but as caretakers who are accountable to God. This stewardship is a form of worship and a way to honour Christ who created and sustains all things.

Let us commit ourselves to being faithful stewards, recognizing that our care for the environment is an essential part of our witness to the world. May our actions reflect the love of the Creator and our responsibility to preserve His creation for generations to come.

Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...