Sermons on the stewardship of God’s created world must provide some leads for application. Here is some advice for you as you help your listeners flesh out a theology of environmental stewardship.
First, help listeners realize that agreement on theology does not necessarily result in agreement on ideology. Christians who take Genesis 1:26-28 seriously may still disagree over how many trees to harvest or over what fuel emission standards to adopt. We must think critically about good strategies, but we must not accuse ‘the other side’ of sub-biblical standards if their conclusions about environmental practice differ from ours.
Second, encourage believers to think in terms of three categories of strategy. Preservation means removing human influence. This is often best used as a temporary means, such as prohibiting activities (fishing, farming, logging, driving, lawn-watering) at a particular place for a particular time. Conservation means limiting the use or consumption of renewable resources (water, trees, etc.). Restoration means intervening to replenish a depleted resource or to bring it back to health (planting new trees).
Third, suggest agreed-upon practices which really make a difference. Few, if any, would argue with weed control, planting trees, and taking care not to litter. Obeying trash disposal laws and game laws is critical, too. Churches can pick up trash in their communities, and they can care for the lawns and gardens on their own property.
Finally, offer your application suggestions in the context of God’s glory. We honor God when we properly use and care for his created world.
Posted by Steve Mathewson at 7:00 AM on October 23, 2007
