A Christian loving Earth Day - an oxymoron?

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So today I would first like to say, Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law Lauren!!  She is the best SIL, but also just an awesome friend :) I love you girlie!

Now, on this Earth Day, here's a thought for you.... I've often been called (sarcastically) a "tree hugger" by my family & friends.  I think it's important to look after our environment, recycle, use sustainable energy/goods, be ecofriendly, yada yada.  Great example:  It drives me nuts for people to pollute or top off their gas tanks (which also pollutes the air) - Justin always does this & I'm always getting on him.

But I have heard that being a Christian and being a Tree Hugger is an oxymoron - how is that so?  Our incredible God made this Earth and all that is within it!  He expects us to make sure that we (like our bodies) take care of his creation, not trash it.  This includes, to me, trying to maximize outcomes while minimizing our footprint on this Earth (i.e., trying to find more efficient, less waste-producing energy sources, and trying to "be green" by recycling, reusing, and reducing what we do use).

I treasure this world God has given us.  I want to keep it around and in good shape for when my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be on it & using its resources.  I want to honor God's creation - that doesn't mean I worship his creation... I worship the Creator.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - in Jesus' name! :) AMEN.  Happy Earth Day.

Comments

  1. SherryApril 23, 2010 at 12:27 PM

    Hey, girl! So I just wanted to let you know that I definitely think Christians should take care of this Earth...I mean, who better to do it? We know best how precious the Earth is! However, I wanted to make a minor correction on your "term of art" usage. My husband would explain that there is a difference between being "green" and conserving resources and being a "tree hugger." Tree huggers are "preservationists" which means they think that no resources should ever be used...no trees cut down, no oil used to run our cars, electricity, etc. Sounds to me like you are a responsible CONSERVATIONIST! We need natural resources to live, but we must use them responsibly so that there will be plenty for future generations! So be proud that you are a CONSERVATIONIST! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. J+TMcLambApril 23, 2010 at 12:41 PM

    HA! Thanks for the clarification. =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 24, 2010 at 9:22 PM

    Thought this post on Noel Piper's blog might make you feel better!

    http://noelpiper.com/2010/04/23/earth-day-every-day/

    Love,
    Christie

    ReplyDelete

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