The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to human beings.
✙ Ps. 115:16 ✙
What a profound statement, stating no less explicitly than the creation story itself that human beings have dominion over the earth. Though Psalm 24:1 states th the earth and everything on it belong to God, stewardship of it has nonetheless been given to us. And the more we know about earth science, and the more aware we are of what's going on in other countries, on other continents, and even in the oceans and seas, the more responsible we are for what we do.
There are many who maintain that human activity cannot actually change the climate, but even they can see the devastation that mining, industry, and uncontrolled development has wrought on the environment. And yet those in control of all three branches of the U.S. government refuse to do anything to stand in the way of the wealthy. Environmental protection is bad for the economy, we're told. But in reality, it is only bad for those whose wealth is enhanced by environmental destruction. By giving them veto power over all other people and every other creature on the face of the earth, we have surrendered a God-given responsibility to protect the creation in our care.
The sad fact is that choosing to rape the earth instead of nurture it is indicative of the way we also treat one another. Just as we have the technology to change the way we use earth's resources, we have the resources to change the way the needy live. We simply choose abuse over use and neglect over nurture. Something's gotta give.
The earth you have given us is in trouble, O God my Creator. Make me part of the solution, not part of the problem. And in caring for the earth, may I also see to the nurture of your people; in the Name of Jesus Christ the Savior, who taught me to pray...
