By Pastor Royston Smith

The Queen has remarked regarding potential attendees to the COP26 climate conference being held in Glasgow in November, “We only know about people who are not coming”, later adding, “It’s really irritating when they talk, but they don’t do.” 

While the climate change debate is raging. Irrespective of our view on the topic, there is irrefutable evidence that globally the climate is radically changing. On an individual and a corporate level, we all must accept some responsibility. Areas which once experienced great warmth are now freezing whilst the ones which were cold have become considerably warmer. We are burning more fossils than at any other time in history, all in the name of ‘progress’. This fuel is used to power bigger and better (homes, factories, and vehicles). Plastic pollution, deforestation and air pollution are other ways that we continue to damage the environment.  

American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Jim Rohn asserts, it is not the blowing of the wind, but the setting of the sails that will determine our direction in life. This metaphor appropriately captures the current climate of our time. Our world is at an intersection. Our contribution can either be obstructive or supportive. We can either swim with the current or accept everything that comes our way. Over dependency on luxuries such as mobile phones, technologies and expensive houses have negatively impacted the environment.  Every action makes a difference, and we must decide what kind of a difference we want to make. “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time,” Romans 8:22. 

Are we stewards or rulers?

Wise stewards act in the best interest of their charge; in this case the earth. They would use its natural resources in a responsible and sustainable manner. Exploitation would be non-existent. Why then does the earth groan? “Mismanagement of the earth’s natural resources affects its ability to regenerate and revitalize. Waste and pollution are poisoning the air, land, and water. What will the next generation inherit? Will they find that we have been faithful? What about our master? ‘The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it’, Genesis 2:15. God is holding us accountable.  

We are stewards. God gave us the job of dominion, procreation, and stewardship. This means we should look after the interests of the planet and all life on it. Genesis 1:28, God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  

It’s time to take action.

We are spending billions on exploring space when our earth is bleeding to death. It needs to be saved. It needs urgent intervention. We need to invest in more environmentally friendly technologies. It is time to engage some of the world’s greatest brains and minds to research innovative ways to repair this planet. It is irresponsible to seek ways of inhabiting another planet when our own ‘backyard’ is in such a poor state.  

Our choices will determine our destiny. What we need are less clever talking and more action. It is important that we consider the potential impact of our actions and then decide on the best course of action. Deuteronomy 30:15 teaches, ^“Look at what I’ve done for you today: I’ve placed in front of you, life and good, death and evil…”  Collectively we can make a difference. God honours our sincere efforts. It is our civic duty to care for the environment. Let us give God’s earth a makeover. God gave us human beings a special responsibility within creation to cultivate it, guard it and use it wisely. Be good stewards.  

Father God, out of gratitude, please help us to become the stewards who will hear, “well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Amen.