When it comes to this, I admit and confess that I stink.  Oh sure, I recycle to some extent. I have yet to claim the spiritual aspect of gardening, I suppose.  Beyond scientific, economic, and sadly political considerations, I can and should acknowledge my role as a member of the body of Christ in this.  There is an element of corporate sin, as we all can sadly see. For all our progress, all of our strides, we still have Flint, MI and a host of other failures in the systems and infrastructures. “Creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” (Romans 8:21, NLT).

Our domination, degradation and exploitation of the environment does not cause us enough remorse or repentance. Recently, I was in a line of cars waiting to turn. The truck ahead of me threw some trash out their window. I quickly hopped out of my truck, ran to get the debris, and handed it back to them, saying, “you dropped this.” Impulsive? Reckless? Talking about me…

But why should I have felt that way? Wasn’t I doing the right thing, a good deed?
Shepherds and servants. That’s what we are when it comes to creation.

Just as in death, Jesus has overcome our wastefulness and neglect; God’s Spirit renews the face of the earth.  His love for His sinful, neglectful people remains unconditional.

Pastor Art