The Case for Environmental Stewardship

Continuing world population growth mandates a rethinking of our use and present patterns of abuse of the environment. Areas of high population density with poor food supply readily become flashpoints of conflict, instability, and political upheaval. Areas that both deplete and in some cases eradicate natural resources are on the rise globally.

Similarly, those most affected by sustained drought, displacement due to floods, hurricanes, or other “natural” phenomenon are likely to face higher rates of poverty, hunger, disease and death, even among children.

Global warming scenarios have become realities in persisting extreme weather activity, polar icecap melting, and rising ocean temperatures. Pursuing an internationally linked commitment to practices of environmental stewardship seems to be a far greater global need than many seem prepared to address. Education in this area is vital for change to begin to take place at the levels of government cooperation, policy-making, and industrial acceptance of new practices.

Environmentalists must become more adept at communicating and promoting measures for environmental preservation. Short of suggesting we populate colonies on other planets, an extremely impractical suggestion, it is vital that we understand the importance of maintaining the viability of the earth as a planetary environment capable of sustaining life.

The growing crisis in clean water supplies for many population centers continues to escalate. The failure to protect air quality continues to affect increasing numbers of persons with long-term health concerns and now in climate change effects.

As Christians, we share this earth’s bounty and we must likewise share in its stewardship. It is time for Christians to affirm the witness of scripture that calls for our acknowledgement of the “earth” as “the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” We are here to make use of it in ways that are not meant to destroy it, but to be a blessing received and shared. Jesus said that we are to be stewards of all that we have been given responsibility for. Whether great or small, our obligations of stewardship are to God. Are the ways we are exercising stewardship pleasing to Him?