Galatians 5:13

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But, do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (NIV)

This verse is packed with information relevant to our culture today. However, I chose this verse specifically for today, Earth Day. Why?

Because it tells us directly what our relationship with the earth is. We have a choice sin or we can serve one another in love. What does it mean to love another person Biblically? It means that you care about their welfare and put their needs before yours. That is the example we see in Christ.

Concerning the environment we have the choice outlined in this verse. God has given us dominion over the world (Gen 1:28). We can do as Galatians 5:13 says, indulge our freedom, focus on ourselves and sin; or serve one another in love.

To serve one another means we do not rape and pollute the earth, leaving nothing but a wasteland for future generations. To love one another means we must leave future generations a garden, not a trash heap.

However, this does not mean we can not use the earth's resources. God gave mankind the earth to use, to care for, and have dominion over. He gave us the freedom to use the earth as we wish. He created us with physical needs that require that we use the resources of the earth. But we must use them responsibly and in love for all mankind, present and future generations.