Many issues exist in our planet today — pollution, climate change, food, plastic and textile waste to name a few. The earth needs our help now more than ever. In the first book of the Bible, we read that God gives us — his children — dominion over all the earth (Genesis 1:26) and assigns us the responsibility of stewarding his creation well. Knowing this, we can ask ourselves the question, What are some ways to help the environment?

From the beginning of humanity, God entrusts us to care for the earth. We should be obedient to his call of being a good steward by treating all people, animals and aspects of the earth with respect. When the earth and its organisms suffer, we suffer too.

Scripture tells us that God created the “world and everything in it” (Acts 17:24, ESV). All that we have belongs to him, as he is the only one that can sustain it. Therefore, he does not call us to be owners — and also not solely consumers — but to be stewards of his creation. To honor and glorify our Maker, we should tend to the earth with love and care.

You may be wondering, How can I be a good steward of the earth? While there is a long way to go and it can feel overwhelming, thankfully there are practical steps we can make toward creating a healthier, flourishing Earth. Consider some new ways to help the environment:¹

• Bring reusable bags to grocery/retail stores
• Look for eco-labels when shopping
• Donate your clothes
• Shop sustainably at thrift stores/buy second-hand
• Walk, bike or carpool
• Recycle
• Don’t litter/pick up trash
• Conserve water
• Use a reusable water bottle

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

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.