For several months, I have been writing articles about Creation Care. This will be the last article that I write. There are suggestions on how to be “Green” or “Ecologically Friendly” in newspapers, magazines, on TV, and everywhere you look. Many things that I have written about are just simple things, and almost everyone knows about them.

More important than the HOW of Creation Care, is the WHY. I believe that God created the earth and humanity. God, in love, has given us the opportunity, as well as the command, to be partners in Creation Care.

God does not NEED us to care for the planet, but God has given us the opportunity. Just as God has given each of us different gifts, I believe that each of us has a unique opportunity to take care of God’s creation in our own way. And each of us, no matter how careful we are of the earth, can and need to do more in caring for it.

I believe the prophet Ezekiel talks about selfish use of our environment in Ezekiel 34:17-19.“As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?” (NIV)

How does this scripture apply to us? Have we depleted and polluted the earth or have we enhanced it? What kind of earth are we leaving for our children and grandchildren?

If you have a passion for Creation Care and would like to express it, contact Shirley Fair, Chair of Mission and Stewardship for ABC/CR. It would be interesting to hear ideas from other people who care about taking care of God’s earth. Let’s share our ideas.

Carolyn Predmore serves as volunteer chair of the Region's Environmental Stewardship Ministry Team. Her focus is on raising awareness related to living out a more Godly shade of green — why, as well as how. Carolyn lives in a geothermal heated home and has many ideas to share. Please let her know if you would like to be a part of her environmental stewardship network.