Whether you’re a nature-lover or not, every person on this planet is called to care for the environment.
So how should you care for God’s creation during a pandemic? How can you keep the environment thriving even when – and especially when – times are challenging?
Consider these practical tips:
Respect the environment like how you respect your body
There’s a greater connection between your body and the environment than you think. Both your body and the earth were made to glorify God (Proverbs 16:4). Likewise, both will perish one day.
However, the end of your body and earth doesn’t make either of them worthless. Both will perish, but both are precious.
That’s why it is important to take care of the environment the same way you take care of your own body – with love, accountability, and respect.
Turn that respect into action
God is so good that He richly provides us with everything to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17 ESV). This earth – this home, is a good gift from above. Along with that gift is the calling to protect it for His glory and for the generations to come.
So now is the time to take bold steps to protect this planet! If you have the heart to take part, the Earth Day organization suggests that you go plant-based, switch to green power, and lessen carbon emission by reading instead of streaming.
Apart from these, you can start a mini garden in your yard, manage your wastes properly, and support environmental advocacies. The list goes on, but it all boils down to one point: loving God’s creation is not just a “thinking” thing – it’s a “doing” thing.
Encourage others to do the same
Due to the pandemic, families are stuck at home. However, the deterioration rate of your bigger home is ever-increasing.
Thankfully, your influence can turn things around. Yes, you.
You can stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24 ESV). You can encourage your family and friends to love and do good things for the planet: introduce them to your favorite eco-friendly products, or share relevant content on your social media accounts.
When this pandemic is over and you get to reunite with your friends again, let them see that you’re using reusable containers. The act may seem simple, but it can kindle a fascination and passion for the environment.
Pray for the earth and every person on it
God’s children are at a crossroads where they can choose to cooperate in saving this planet or carry on regardless. Sadly, not everyone is open to safeguarding the creation.
In the words of natural historian David Attenborough, “No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
That’s why praying for the people’s hearts is essential. Pray that your brothers and sisters in Christ will also be moved to intentionally care for the surroundings.
Pray that one day, the 7 billion people on this planet will wake up and see God’s love through the environment, and they will reflect that love back to His creation.
It may seem hard to save the environment, but isn’t it that success is the sum of small efforts done together by people who care?
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you;
the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of every human being.” (Job 12:7-10 NRSV)
We would love to join you in praying for yourself and others this Earth Day. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.
If this article has helped or inspired you in any way, share it on your social media accounts so others will be inspired, too.
