
Released from
Probation
Today

Saturday, October 30, 2010
Everything Belongs to God
Genesis 2:4-15
The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.
-Psalm 24:1 (NRSV)
(below from http://upperroom.org/)
I live in a country where the standard of living is high. But our lifestyle has far-reaching effects. If everyone used as many of Earth's resources per person as we do in Denmark, we would need about two extra planets the size of this one to sustain the world's population.
God created the world and saw that it was good. God gave humans the responsibility of being stewards of creation. But we use nature as if it were an infinite resource. We treat creation as if we own it and can use it as we please.
We do not own Earth. God does. Just as children are a gift and a responsibility for their parents, God's gift of planet Earth comes with responsibility for its care. God's creation sustains our existence, providing land, water, and the air that keeps us alive.
When I make decisions -- choices about food, clothing, transportation -- I try to remember that the earth belongs to God. I am part of God's creation, and God's creation keeps me alive. Creation is God's way of taking care of us.
Hanna Smidt (Hovedstaden, Denmark)
Probation
Today

Saturday, October 30, 2010
Everything Belongs to God
Genesis 2:4-15
The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.
-Psalm 24:1 (NRSV)
(below from http://upperroom.org/)
I live in a country where the standard of living is high. But our lifestyle has far-reaching effects. If everyone used as many of Earth's resources per person as we do in Denmark, we would need about two extra planets the size of this one to sustain the world's population.
God created the world and saw that it was good. God gave humans the responsibility of being stewards of creation. But we use nature as if it were an infinite resource. We treat creation as if we own it and can use it as we please.
We do not own Earth. God does. Just as children are a gift and a responsibility for their parents, God's gift of planet Earth comes with responsibility for its care. God's creation sustains our existence, providing land, water, and the air that keeps us alive.
When I make decisions -- choices about food, clothing, transportation -- I try to remember that the earth belongs to God. I am part of God's creation, and God's creation keeps me alive. Creation is God's way of taking care of us.
Hanna Smidt (Hovedstaden, Denmark)
Thank you, God, for creating the world and all that is in it: friends, family, fish, spiders, swallows, wheat, water, and oxygen. Forgive us when we abuse your good gifts. Help us to make responsible choices that help other people and honor your creation. Amen.
To see how many globes would be needed if everyone were to live as you live, go to http://www.footprintnetwork.org/.
To be good stewards of creation