Not long ago, a friend and I stood on a mountain crest located on the Cumberland Plateau. Before us were broad grassy meadows, created from land that had been strip-mined. Although major damage had been done to the land through the strip-mining and the clearcutting of timber, reclamation was producing positive results. The meadows were pleasing to the eye and the animals we saw near the edge of the meadow greatly enhanced the view.
When the first Europeans arrived on the North American continent, they found a land with abundant natural resources. In biblical terminology, it might have been described as a "land flowing with milk and honey." Unfortunately, these resources were not managed in a wise and considerate way. All the major resources— including water, forest, grasslands and animals—were badly used and abused. Most, if not all, of the flora and fauna were grossly mismanaged. Why did it happen this way? It happened because the overall motivation was one of selfishness and greed! God's way of "give"—of loving your neighbor as yourself—was not practiced. Instead, the human way of "get"—the way of self-interest regardless of the cost—was followed.
From the beginning, God instructed humanity in the proper care of His environment. We read that "the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:15). Notice that it was a garden—a place of beauty and fertility. Proper care for it would enhance and maintain its beauty, fertility and value. Sadly, human beings have ignored God's instruction. As a result, the land, plant and animal life—as well as human life—have all suffered.
Can people take care of their environment? Can they be good stewards of the land and other resources? Yes they can, if they practice the way of love toward God and love toward neighbor, and reject the harmful way of indulgent self-interest that ultimately is not good for "self" or for anyone else!
In general, human beings have always shown the proclivity to abuse and misuse natural resources and to pollute the environment. They have done this with little or no thought for the present, much less the future. However, a change is coming—a change that will be prompted by the return of Jesus Christ. Revelation 11:18 tells us that when Christ returns, He will destroy those who destroy the earth.
In Acts 3:19–21, we read about a restoration of all things after Christ's return, when even the present waste places and deserts will become like the Garden of Eden (Isaiah 51:3). Finally, human beings will listen to God, their Creator, and will do what they should have done from the beginning. They will properly "tend and keep" their garden. When they do, it will be a blessing to all humanity—and all creation.
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The above is adapted from one of the many commentaries, discussing vital topics facing our world, available at the www.lcg.org and www.tomorrowsworld.org Web sites.