Restoration: Stewards of the Planet
We only love God as much as we love what God loves. What does that mean in how we care for God’s precious and fragile creation? In this message from Robyn Elliott we explore the moral responsibility that comes with this duty and highlights God’s intention for creation to flourish, encouraging us to consider our impact on the environment in our daily choices and vocations.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that you are entrusted to protect? What have you taken it upon yourself to keep and care for, despite not owing it?
- Robyn said, “We only love God as much as we love what God loves.” Reflect on your daily choices. In what ways do you feel you currently love and care for creation? Are there areas where you see room for improvement?
- In what ways can our choices (like consumption and voting) reflect our commitment to caring for creation? What new choices could you make as a response to caring for creation?
- How does the idea of land ownership differ in the biblical context compared to modern views? If you own land or own a home, how might you think about that in light of the fact that it ultimately belongs to God?
- Robyn mentioned a recent successful restoration effort (e.g., the lifting of boil water advisories). What other examples can you think of that demonstrate the possibility of restoration in creation? How can we build on these small successes?
- After hearing this message and working through these questions, what feelings are you left with? Are you feeling hopeful? Hopeless? Apathetic? Enraged? Confused? Or something else entirely? And where do you go from here?