My thought of the day is ,"God Calls Us to Participate in Politics". What does that mean when dealing with political polarizating topics like climate change?
As the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14), the flourishing of our world is, in part, our responsibility.
It is interesting to note how the phrase "climate change" is replacing "global warming" as the catch phrase of environmentalism. Some scientists/climatologists are certain that human activity, primarily greenhouse gas emissions, is impacting the environment. What they are not certain about is precisely what the impact will be.
Polarized views about climate issues stretch from the causes and cures for climate change to trust in climate scientists and their research. But as an American,I support a role for scientists in climate policy that is bipartisan. But the costly remedies makes me scratch my head.
Where I live in Ames, Iowa the City Council members along with city staff are working on a 'Climate Action Program/Plan'. My first thought ,"How, then, should a Christian view climate change?
"We should view it skeptically and critically, but at the same time honestly and respectfully. Most importantly, though, Christians should look at climate change biblically. What does the Bible say about climate change? Not much.
My conversative side says,"will it be done in steps?
Will it be costly, disruptive or eventually make living in Ames unaffordable? So with everything what does scripture say?
Not much. Likely the closest biblical examples of what could be considered climate change would be the end times disasters prophesied in Revelation 6–18. Yet these prophecies have nothing to do with greenhouse gas emissions; rather, they are the result of the wrath of God, pouring out justice on an increasingly wicked world.
Is there anything wrong with going green? No, of course not. Is trying to reduce your carbon footprint a good thing? Probably so. Are renewable energy sources worth pursuing? Of course. Are any of these things to be the primary focus of followers of Jesus Christ? Absolutely not! As Christians, our focus should be proclaiming the truth of the gospel, the message that has the power to save souls. Saving the planet is not within our power or responsibility. Climate change may or may not be human-caused. What we can know for certain is that God is good and sovereign, and that Planet Earth will be our habitat for as long as God desires it to be. Psalm 46:2-3,
"Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Contact your Ames city council members with
Matthew 7:7 in mind,
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
At issue is not whether we should question, but in what manner—and for what reason—we question. As a child of God, we should never ask Insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things"
Philippians 4:8
God Bless You and This Ministry
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