Torch, Summer 1985

12 G od, out of timeless eternity, created the heavens and the earth, and then ceased His creative activity, and rested (Genesis 2:1-2). "And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). There was once a time when the earth, the creatures , and the natural resources were seen by the Creator as being good. The created order was a perfect testimony of the wisdom and greatness of the Creator. Today, we live on the same planet , but it seems that all is not good. The evidence is everywhere in our environment. Instead of life-sustaining rain from the heavens, we receive "acid rain. " Millions in developing nations suffer because of water shortages or water supplies that are contaminated by toxic chemicals or disease organisms. Expanding deserts , drought, and famine are affecting millions of lives daily. Even in America, the growth and prosperity of whole communities are threatened by dwindling water supplies. The soil that nourishes us , the air that we breathe , and the fuels for our industries , cars, and homes are also diminishing in quantity and quality. This depressing list of environmental problems should not be a surprise to those who understand the Scriptures which teach that the curse of sin was placed upon man and the creation as a result of man's disobedience to God. Therefore, "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Romans 8:22). But thanks to God "who hath delivered us from the power of darkness , and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son ... " (Colossians 1: 13). "Nevertheless we , according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells" (II Peter 3: 13). Those who have confessed their sin and acknowledged their need of the Savior have a blessed hope that transcends the groaning and deterioration of the environment. However, this hope does not justify a disregard for the environment and the natural resources of the earth. In fact, the Scriptures clearly emphasize certain principles concerning the responsibility of Christians as stewards of the environment. Ce1tainly, the focus of the Bible is not upon natural resource preservation, but upon the preservation of the souls of men and women . Yet it is the conviction of this author that if Christians are to be effective witnesses as salt and light in this world, there must be a new awareness of and commitment to living in harmony with the Creator and the created order. ' The following is a brief outline of the marks of a Christian steward . Hopefully, it will help the reader to