Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

Spring–Summer 2011 | TORCH 27 LEONARD_C | ISTOCKPHOTO under grace expected to provide rest for the land? If so, how do we implement this? Releasing the Pressure To begin, it is important to consider the purpose of Shmita. It was meant to release the land from work and, by so doing, allow for its regeneration. This instruction was given to a particular people of a specific region, and understanding the command’s context is critically important with regard to its intention and application. Observing the sabbatical year would have enabled the long- term sustainability of Israel’s land. Regularly releasing land from production pressures maintains ecosystem services on which we rely, provides habitats for plants and wildlife, and supports biodiversity — ecological issues with social justice implications. We live in a new context of grace and truth that come through Jesus Christ, no longer under the Law given by Moses. Therefore, it is important to consider the implicit intentions of the sabbatical year as they apply to our lives. In the original week, we see God demonstrating times of work and rest — these are complementary avenues that allow us to both glorify God and let creation flourish. Good stewardship implies the active pursuit of Christlikeness within all aspects of life. Most of us consume goods that are produced at the other end of a long supply chain. In his book A Sand County Almanac , Aldo Leopold writes, “There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.” Every consumer choice we make has a consequence on creation. Regeneration is only possible if release and rest are in balance with extraction and work. A careful accounting of our consumption reveals the pressure each of us exerts on the land. Try calculating your own consumption rates by completing an energy audit or environmental footprint quiz, such as the one available at cedarville.edu/energyaudit. As caretakers of creation, we must perpetually ask ourselves, “How could I be a more effective steward of what God has provided?” Make a point of practicing rest one day a week. Spend time communing with God, others, and creation while recognizing Him as our sustainer. And perhaps consider how you might reduce your annual consumption of energy, water, food, goods, and waste production by one-seventh, or 14.3 percent. By so doing, we can release the land from production pressure, provide it with rest, and regenerate its capacity to provide ecosystem services. We can then re-invest that sacrifice to care for our local and global neighbors, extending the love of Christ to them in a new way. Dr. Mark Gathany serves as assistant professor of biology and environmental science at Cedarville University. He received his B.S. from Grace College, his M.S. from Ohio University, and his Ph.D. from Colorado State University. He has been at Cedarville since 2007. Find out how much energy you use at cedarville.edu/energyaudit, or scan this QR code. Download a free QR code scanner at cedarville.edu/QR.