Please don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say, I love this planet and everything God put on it. I love the trees, the hills, the water, the animals, even the air; and I’m all for us keeping these things clean. But, I can honestly say, I’m not an “environmentalist.” Here’s why…
1. I Know Who is in Control
Consider this hypothetical situation, a man walks into a room and finds a chair balanced inexplicably on one leg. He walks around the chair, examines it, and carefully feels around for something that might be keeping it up. There seems to be no “natural” reason the chair is balanced so. The man decides this chair needs to be protected. It needs to be kept in this amazing state. He insists that no one touch it, breath on it, or come anywhere near it. After all, since he does not understand what is keeping the chair balanced, he has no idea what might disturb it and cause its downfall.
On the other hand, if you had received a message from God concerning this balanced chair, which stated that He was keeping it balanced, you would not be so worried about its fall. You would feel free to touch it, sit on it, and use it in appropriate ways, because you would trust that He would keep the chair balanced.
I feel the same way about this planet. I believe, because of the evidence around me and the evidence of God’s word, that this planet is in the control of ALMIGHTY God. It seems to me, those who are constantly living in fear of upsetting the “delicate balance” of our planet do not have the same faith in God. They believe they are in control of this planet and they must protect it. They believe this because they do not understand that it is God who, “hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7).
I don’t want to abuse the earth, but I’m also not afraid that we’re going to accidentally mess it up. I know God is in control.
2. I Know the Purpose of the Planet
It is natural for people to search for purpose. We wonder, “What is my purpose? What is the purpose of the planet, the stars, the animals, the plants?” However, without the use of Scripture, men will always come to the wrong conclusions.
Many environmentalists seem to think that man’s purpose is the protection of the planet and the animals. But, Scripture tells us that the purpose of man is bringing glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31). In fact, the purpose of all of God’s creation is to bring glory to Him (Psalm 19:1). Scripture tells us that animals were put under the dominion of man (Psalm 8:6-8). The purpose of animals is for man to domesticate them (James 3:7), use them for labor (Deuteronomy 25:4), and kill and eat them (Acts 10:11).
It is only when we use the earth (and all that’s in it) for its intended purpose, that we can truly be grateful and give glory and honor to the Creator!
3. I Know the Temporary Nature of the Planet
I love this world, but as the hymn goes, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passin’ through…” Paul wrote this in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (NASB). Everything we can see, is temporary; it will not last forever. Many environmentalists believe this planet was here long before man and will be here long after man; and therefore needs to be honored, cherished, and protected. They are wrong on both counts. The earth was created the same week that man was created (Genesis 1 and 2), and will be destroyed during the Day that man is judged and taken from this earth, “The present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7, NASB).
So, in other words, I want to enjoy this earth and give thanks to God for allowing me to use it as a temporary home; but I understand that He created it, He sustains it, and He will destroy it.
I love you and the Creator loves you,
