The EARTH is the Lord's!

"The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers."

(Psalm 24:1-2)

Earth Day is Saturday (April 22, 2017). While it's a good thing to lift up the care of the earth on a specific day... it's not a good thing that we had to actually designate a day to care for the earth, because that means we haven't been doing a good enough job before. For too long, we have treated this planet we live on as an infinite resource to be used by us humans. Over time, however, we've come to see that it is not an un-ending resource. And the Scriptures seek to teach us what our Native American brothers and sisters have known - that the earth isn't ours, either. It's God's.

Psalm 24 begins by reminding us that everything on this earth (including the people) belongs to God. Everything. Sky, air, water, soil, mountains, trees, birds, insects, fish, critters, wind, sun, rocks, oceans... you name it, it belongs to God. AND THE PEOPLE, TOO! We are simply caretakers and stewards.

How would our daily lives change if we took seriously this reality? I know how careful I am when someone lets me borrow their car. I drive more responsibly. I even return it with a full tank of gas (and sometimes a wash and vacuum, too!). The earth is infinitely more valuable than a car... and yet, we're not nearly as careful with it. AND THE PEOPLE BELONG TO GOD, TOO! How are we acknowledging that everyone is a person of worth & value?

As we prepare to observe Earth Day 2017, may I be more aware of the reality that everything (and everyone) in this world is ultimately God's. I need to treat it all with love, respect, and stewardship.