Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy!
Psalm 96:11-12NLT
Author Adele Calhoun says caring for the earth is a way of expressing delight in God’s creation and honoring the gifts and treasures of our Creator.2 In addition to practices aimed toward protecting the environment, there are also spiritual practices we can implement that connect us to creation and our Creator. Here are some ideas:
- Consider a way to magnify Earth’s beauty. Ideas include planting flowers in a low-income neighborhood or sponsoring a street.
- Plant a garden. Gardens are not only great for the environment, but they can build community when you share produce with neighbors and friends.
- Go on walks. Spend time in nature thanking God for the resources he’s given you and pray for his restoration. Consider the characteristics of God that are revealed to you in his earthly beauty.
- Volunteer. Research a local organization that you could volunteer with once a month and serve your community.
Calhoun suggests when we are a good steward of God’s creation, we may see the following God-given fruit:2
- Close relationship with Jesus heedless of what the planet undergoes
- Adoration of God as Creator and celebration of his handiwork
- Contribution to the planet’s beauty
- Mending the brokenness of the planet
- Sharing God’s creation with others
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1NIV
God’s creation beautifully reflects his character. He uses the sky, sea, mountains, plants and everything around us to reveal his beauty, majesty and power. When we pollute the oceans and litter on the very ground he gifted us to walk on, it is like we are tainting his character and stripping away his beauty displayed for the world in which to see and delight. If you want to learn more about being a good steward of God’s creation, consider GCU’s College of Theology or Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program. To explore more spiritual practices, consider attending GCU’s Spiritual Formation workshops. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.
