Conservation: Responsible Stewardship of God's Creation

Conservation represents the biblical mandate to wisely manage and protect the earth's natural resources that God has entrusted to humanity's care, balancing appreciation for creation with worship of the Creator alone.

Biblical Foundation for Stewardship

Conservation is the protection and preservation of the earth's resources that God has entrusted into our hands (Psalm 115:16). David spoke of man being given dominion over various aspects of God's creation (Psalm 8:6-8), establishing humanity's role as responsible caretakers rather than reckless exploiters. Unfortunately, man has failed to act responsibly many times throughout history, leading to environmental degradation and resource depletion.

We should wisely manage and use these natural assets without abusing or wasting the limited supply. Be thankful for and value what is available for us to use and enjoy, endeavouring to keep pollution to a minimum. This responsible stewardship reflects our understanding that the earth ultimately belongs to God, and we are merely temporary managers of His property.

We are to worship the creator (God), not the creation

God's instruction to Adam and Eve was to maintain (and utilize) what He had made, but not to worship it (Gen 2:15). While it is good to appreciate God's magnificent creation it can become a substitute for God Himself, with creation worshiped instead of God who made it as is the case with many unbelievers today (Ex 20:3-6; Rom 1:25). An idol is what receives more attention and devotion than God, who is the only one (or thing) that is to be worshiped (Mt 4:9-10).

The Danger of Creation Worship

The line between appreciating God's creation and worshiping it is one that many have crossed throughout history. When environmentalism becomes a form of nature worship, it replaces the Creator with the created. Romans 1:25 explicitly warns against this error, describing those who "exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator." Our responsibility is to maintain proper perspective—valuing and caring for creation while directing our ultimate worship and allegiance to God alone.

Practical Application of Biblical Conservation

Practical biblical conservation involves making conscious choices about resource use, waste reduction, and environmental impact while maintaining theological soundness. This includes practicing responsible consumption, supporting sustainable practices, and educating others about both environmental stewardship and the proper place of creation in our worship. The goal is not environmentalism for its own sake, but rather faithful stewardship that honors God and serves others through responsible management of His gifts.

Reflection and Application:

How can I better balance appreciation for God's creation with maintaining Him as the sole object of my worship?
What practical steps can I take to improve my stewardship of natural resources in my daily life?
How do my consumption patterns reflect biblical values of responsible management versus wasteful exploitation?
In what ways can I encourage others toward balanced environmental stewardship without promoting nature worship?