Earth Day is one of many opportunities environmentalists take to bring light to renewable energy, recycling and other ways to “go green.” But should Christians be concerned about taking care of our planet? Here’s an answer from Billy Graham.
Q: I’ve always been concerned about the environment, and my concern has grown in recent years with all the talk about global warming and the need for alternative energy sources and things like that. Why don’t churches say more about this?
In reality, many churches and mission groups are speaking out about these issues. A number of denominations, for example, have passed resolutions urging their members to be more active in environmental issues.
Why should we be concerned about the environment? It isn’t just because of the dangers we face from pollution, climate change, or other environmental problems—although these are serious. For Christians, the issue is much deeper: We know that God created the world, and it belongs to Him, not us. Because of this, we are only stewards or trustees of God’s creation, and we aren’t to abuse or neglect it. The Bible says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1).
When we fail to see the world as God’s creation, we will end up abusing it. Selfishness and greed take over, and we end up not caring about the environment or the problems we’re creating for future generations. It’s not surprising that some of the world’s worst environmental damage was done by the old atheistic regimes of Eastern Europe.
I hope you won’t lose your concern for these issues, for they are important. But don’t lose sight of something that is even more important: your relationship with God. Is Christ first in your life, and are you seeking to follow Him every day?
Are we in danger of destroying the world? >> Read Billy Graham’s Answer
How did God create the world? >> Author, Professor Dr. Norman Geisler Explains Creation
