For 29 years of my life, I never really cared about littering. It was not an important issue for me as a kid (like most kids). When you would drive along the highway and run over a McDonalds bag, I was the reason it was there. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with throwing garbage out my window as I was driving. I would laugh at my friends who would tell me that I shouldn’t do that (as they threw their cigarette butts out the window). I would think about how big this world is and wonder how in the world could my little piece of litter affect anything. As I’m writing this confession, I admit I was very naive.
But I also admit I still feel kind of embarrassed to say the environment is a concern of mine. I never wanted to be that guy that would ride his bike through downtown with a hemp backpack and recycle-made shoes sporting a bandana with a peace symbol on it. I’ve always thought they were too extreme. But every month, I find myself thinking like them. My only question is, how much of a concern should this be for believers?
So here is my wrestle;
Ps. 140:12. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
Is. 25:4. For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress.
Is 41:17. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them.
Luke 6:20-21. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Prov. 22:9. He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
Does my littering and lack of care for the environment affect the lifestyle of the poorest of the poor? If I can keep others from destroying the environment, will it help those that are suffering the worst in the world? Is there a link between pollution, weather changing, and soil erosion? If we are to concern ourselves with the needs of the poor, as God has mandated, then do we have to be environmentally concerned?
These are honest questions that I have been wrestling with. And if there is a link between it all, than I believe every human being is called to take care of this planet as if human lives are at stake.
But I also admit I still feel kind of embarrassed to say the environment is a concern of mine. I never wanted to be that guy that would ride his bike through downtown with a hemp backpack and recycle-made shoes sporting a bandana with a peace symbol on it. I’ve always thought they were too extreme. But every month, I find myself thinking like them. My only question is, how much of a concern should this be for believers?
So here is my wrestle;
Ps. 140:12. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
Is. 25:4. For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress.
Is 41:17. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them.
Luke 6:20-21. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Prov. 22:9. He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
Does my littering and lack of care for the environment affect the lifestyle of the poorest of the poor? If I can keep others from destroying the environment, will it help those that are suffering the worst in the world? Is there a link between pollution, weather changing, and soil erosion? If we are to concern ourselves with the needs of the poor, as God has mandated, then do we have to be environmentally concerned?
These are honest questions that I have been wrestling with. And if there is a link between it all, than I believe every human being is called to take care of this planet as if human lives are at stake.
