Are You a Guardian of the Galaxy?

It is a popular thing to proclaim that you are out to "save the planet". We should use those reusable bags and avoid disposable dishes. Do not forget to buy products made of recycled materials and recycle them again. And perhaps most important, only shop at "green friendly" stores and restaurants. Finally, buy one of those hybrid cars that runs on electricity produced at a coal burning electric plant. Well, there maybe a bit of a conflict there so put up those solar panels and rub your feet on the carpet to make your own electricity. Don't get me wrong, I recycle and I do things that seem reasonable to prevent waste. It honestly grieves me, at times, to see how much stuff gets tossed away or set on the curb with the rest of the trash. However, there are those who now worship at the alter of climate change and see humanity as the evil Satan whose objective it is to destroy the very planet that provides for our life.

I suggest a little Biblical perspective is in order. Genesis 2:15, "Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it." The Hebrew means to till and work the garden and to keep watch over it. To help the garden produce, but also to protect the planet, is man's commission from God, Himself. It is a commission that is directed toward those who have a relationship with God. Who understand that the "garden" and all it contains, is a gift from God. However, the pristine planet and it's contents have been corrupted due to man's disobedience. It is still a remarkable planet to live on. God's creativity abounds. He did not just make one tree but thousands of varieties. And His creativity with flowers, why, “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Luke 12:27). From the solemn beauty of the desert to the majesty of snow capped mountains, the creation cries out praise to its creator. The heavens, as well, declare the Glory of God.

Yet, for all it's glory there are volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis,  hurricanes, forest fires, and a lot of other things we call natural disasters. Paul was correct when he said that, "For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now" (Romans 8:22). Our planet struggles under the weight of sin and the sorrow of a fallen world. The wonderful news for our planet, and even the universe, is found in the familiar verse of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The key word here is translated "world". It is the Greek word, κόσμος kosmos. It is the orderly arrangement of all of creation. Not just people and not just this planet. The verse does focus on those who believe, but all creation was touched by the power of the death and resurrection of the Son. There is a promise of a new heaven and a new earth, (Revelation 21:1) when all will be redeemed, all will be delivered. The groaning of the planet will be replaced with the joy of new birth. Deliverance is not just for us but for all of creation, for the cosmos.

In the meantime, it seems we have some things a bit upside down. Believers, followers of the One True God, have a responsibility to guard and oversee the protection of the world God has made. I know it applied to Adam and the garden of Eden; however, the responsibility is carried beyond the garden. Genesis 3:17-18, "Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field." We are called to cultivate and care for the, now uncooperative, earth we inhabit. Believers should be grieved over the loss of a species or the extinction of a plant. We should be careful as we harvest and develop the resources the Lord has graciously provided. As we use the energy sources He created, for the care and provision of humanity, we should do so in a way that also protects His planet. As stewards we are to use these things, but never to be careless or unconcerned with the world which contains them. We are not to worship the planet or it's contents; it was given for humanity to use and enjoy, just to do so responsibly. For the betterment, provision, and protection, of mankind. Trees are there to make houses and pianos and then new ones cultivated for coming generations. Believers are also responsible to protect the wonder for coming generations, be they giant redwoods, magnificent waterfalls, exotic birds, flowers and animals. We are their guardians.

For the evolutionist these things should not be so. Protection of the planet and it's contents should appall them. For evolution to continue its journey of natural selection toward some later perfection, preserving what is here now interferes with what could be. The only logical course for evolution to follow is the extinction of the lesser species. The elimination of the inferior for the advancement of the superior. Volcanoes, and earthquakes should cause environmentalist to rejoice. Every inferior plant, insect, and animal eliminated should bring a celebration knowing it is another small step in the upward process of the evolutionary ladder toward perfection. Evolutionist should champion pollution and toxic waste. How else will the things occupying the planet be tested and adapt so only the most fit survive? Advancing the evolutionary process should be the goal of every evolutionist. As we have yet to develop the means to attract another meteor to collide with the earth and advance our species, perhaps nuclear fallout and noxious gases could serve as a substitute? However, evolutionists would never do this. They actually desire to fulfill the commission of the Creator they deny. They have picked up the role many believers have discounted.

So, how goes your stewardship role? Planet wise, I mean. Do you see yourself as the guardian of the galaxy? Well, at least this planet. If not, maybe now you have something new to think about.