God’s creation: How to be stewards of the Earth

Have you ever taken a moment to appreciate the calm seas or the towering mountains, the creatures on land, or the birds in the sky? What if these wonders were no longer there?

In an age where urban landscapes rise higher and brighter with each passing day, there’s no denying that progress and innovation are propelling our society forward.

We must also consider our home, the Earth, and the life within it.

In this article, we will guide you on how to be stewards of the earth to help you embrace your role as the worker and caretaker of God’s creation.

The meaning of being “Stewards of the Earth”

According to scripture, God created Earth for you, and now you are stewards of His creation.

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

It means utilizing and managing all the resources God provides for His glory and the betterment of His 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)

Your stewardship extends to taking care of the environment, animals, your families, and your communities.

You should accept this duty and value God’s gift of creation as your home, as being a responsible steward in this world is a way to express your love for God and your gratitude to Him.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

A man gardening. (Photo by Pelargoniums for Europe from Unsplash)

Human impact on Earth

Although you have been commanded to be stewards of God’s creation, it is undeniable that the Earth has suffered significant damage from human actions.

Here are the primary ones.

Ecological degradation

The cumulative impact of human activities over thousands of years has given rise to ecological degradation, which is undermining the habitats of various living creatures on Earth.

It takes various forms, including environmental damage, the emergence of disease outbreaks, social conflicts, as well as poverty and inequality.

Among these, environmental damage stands out as a challenge that is hard to escape and address. This is because it is closely linked to the global phenomenon of rising temperatures.

As a result, it leads to a worldwide climate crisis. This gives rise to climate and weather abnormalities that disrupt various natural cycles, upsetting the delicate balance of life and intensifying disasters in various regions.

Loss of biodiversity

Our actions have also led to a significant loss of biodiversity worldwide.

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi in an ecosystem.

Due to human impacts on the environment, species are disappearing at a much higher rate than usual. The natural rate of extinction is estimated to be between 1 to 5 species each year.

However, the current rate is 1,000 to 10,000 times faster, with an average of one species becoming extinct every hour.

Forest fire. (Photo by Matt Palmer from Unsplash)

Restoration of God’s creation

The Bible teaches you that God is not only redeeming His people but also renewing the entire creation, as mentioned in Romans 8:18-23.

As God’s redeemed people, you are called to follow your Risen Lord and participate in the restoration of creation, all while preparing for the return of the Lord.

Just as you express your love for the Savior by reaching out to the lost, you also demonstrate your love for the Creator by caring for the world He made.

How to be stewards of God’s creation

To play your role in restoring God’s creation, you must make even small changes in your daily life. These seemingly minor adjustments can collectively make a significant difference in caring for the world that God has entrusted to us.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)

Reduce, reuse, recycle

You can be stewards of God’s creation by using less, reusing what you can, and recycling materials like paper, glass, and plastic. This conserves resources and reduces waste.

For instance, you can reuse glass jars for storage, and recycle newspapers and cardboard.

Conserve electricity

Turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use. This way, you help save energy and reduce the environmental impact of power generation.

Drive less or use a bike

Whenever possible, choose to drive less and opt for a bicycle or public transportation. This cuts down on pollution and lessens the strain on our planet.

Avoid single-use items

Choose reusable alternatives instead of single-use items. This reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and landfills.

Reduce your food waste

Be mindful of the food you buy and consume. Minimize food waste by planning meals, storing food properly, and using leftovers.

A couple biking. (Photo by KBO Bike from Unsplash)

Save water

Use water wisely by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and turning off taps when not needed.

Conserving water is crucial for preserving this precious resource.

Grow your own food

Consider cultivating a small garden or growing herbs in pots. This not only provides fresh, local produce but also reduces the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation.

For example, you can plant herbs like basil and mint in pots on your windowsill or balcony. You can also start a small vegetable garden in your backyard if you have one.

If it could be fixed, do not throw it out

Instead of discarding broken items, try to repair them. This extends the lifespan of products and reduces the need for new resources.

For instance, repair a torn piece of clothing instead of discarding it and buying a new one at fast-fashion outlets.

Thrift shop

Buying second-hand items from thrift stores not only saves money, but also reduces the demand for new products, lowering the environmental footprint of manufacturing.

Keep these changes going

Being stewards of God’s creation is an ongoing commitment. Continuously practice these habits in your daily life to ensure a lasting positive impact on the Earth.

A man visiting a thrift shop. (Photo by Robinson Greig from Unsplash)

Make your voice louder

While you are willing to make changes in your daily routine to be a good steward of God’s creation, it’s essential to remember that you can have an even broader impact.

Encouraging others to do the same can create a ripple effect of positive change.

Share your eco-friendly practices and the benefits you’ve experienced with friends, family, and colleagues. Motivate them to take small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle, just as you have.

Moreover, support organizations and causes that advocate for the environment and urges larger entities, such as governments and corporations, to care for our earthly home and God’s creations.

By aligning with these efforts, you contribute to a collective voice that emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship.

Your support can help bring about significant changes on a larger scale, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for our planet and all that inhabit it.

Remember, your individual actions, combined with your influence and support, have the power to make a meaningful difference in preserving God’s creation.

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)