Does the Bible say anything about the environment?
Q: I think it's important for us to take care of the environment, but in my experience most of the people who are really concerned about this don't seem to be particularly religious. Does the Bible say anything about this? -- Mrs. E.N.M.
A: Yes, the Bible often points out that we have a responsibility to take care of the earth and its resources. We are trustees of everything God has given us, and as the Bible reminds us, "it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2).
I'm thankful for those who are concerned about our environment; it's not wrong to want to safeguard it for future generations. Christians, however, have a further reason for treating the environment responsibly: We know that everything we have comes from God, and we are responsible to Him for its use. The Bible says, "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).
In fact, at the very beginning of the human race, God told Adam and Eve to take care of the earth and its resources. The Bible says, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it' " (Genesis 1:28). Some have mistakenly claimed that this means we can use the earth's resources wastefully -- but the opposite is the case. God actually was telling them to be responsible trustees of everything He was giving them.
Yes, God wants us to be concerned about the environment and its future. But don't overlook an even greater responsibility -- our responsibility to put our faith and trust in Christ, both for our lives right now and for eternity. The Bible says, "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is" (Colossians 3:1).
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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)
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