Posts Tagged ‘earth’

Earth Day

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

imageI had known this day was coming ever since I flipped our wall calendar to “April”.  There was the announcement – April 22 : Earth Day or Tag der Erde.   To be honest, I was actually kind of excited.  I’m no environmentalist, per se, but I am willing to do my part to keep my “carbon footprint” down while I tread on this planet (once I get to Mars, all bets are off).

Yesterday, I received a funny e-mail from Tech Support at my place of work, stating that they would be turning off all lab computers in honor of Earth Day.  I thought that was pretty cool (save energy, why not?), but then the rest of the e-mail stated that they would be turning off all network switches, servers, etc.  “Ah, a joke!” I realized.  I just smiled to myself and thought nothing more of it.

At Bible study later that night, someone mentioned “Earth Day” with a snort.  I was confused.  Either the lady had something stuck up her nose, or she did not think too highly of Earth Day.  A couple other ladies were nodding in agreement to whatever she said, and at that moment, I figured I should probably find out a bit more about this Earth Day. 

Well, today has come, and the e-mails have also come – forwards of funny pictures and stories that held slightly anti-Earth Day sentiments.  “God is going to destroy the earth anyway” was the vibe I was getting, and that is true.  God will indeed destroy this Earth someday, but I don’t think He needs our help.  Stop and hear me out here…

The Earth Day Network  has this to say on the history of Earth Day:

On April 22, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. Denis Hayes, the national coordinator, and his youthful staff organized massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values…click here to read the full history

Oil spills?  Pollution?  Raw sewage?  Okay, freeways do seem a bit much, but what I gathered about this group’s message was this: It is not okay to blatantly continue to use or contaminate Earth’s resources.  Stop and think about what you are doing to the environment.  What are the consequences of your actions?

Indeed, what are the consequences of our actions?  And what if we could do something to lessen them?  Whether it be recycling, using energy efficient lights, less water, etc., each little bit helps.  Few Christians would argue against the idea that God has called us to be good stewards; I believe the Earth is one of those gifts He has left for us.  Heaven is an even bigger gift, but are we going to abuse the gift we have right now?

Of course, anything can be turned into an idol.  I am not obsessed with saving the Earth, but I do not think we should cite the example of those who are as reason for why we can make fun of times set aside to remind others about doing their part or even as an excuse for us not to do our part.  I think it would be an amazing witness to the world to take care of the creation we claim our God has made.  Finding a balance key – don’t go to either extreme of saying nature is supreme or who cares about nature?  Creation is groaning like we are and waiting for the day of the Lord, we don’t need to add reasons for that groaning.

Cut the normal environmentalists a little slack and instead, go outside and marvel at the wonders God has given us in creation.  They may not be here for long.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Observations on Life | 4 Comments »