4 Reflections on International Earth Day

The vernal equinox arrives today, March 19, 2024,  at 11:06 PM EDT, which marks the official beginning of Spring for the Northern Hemisphere.

Each year to coincide with the equinox, is International Earth Day, founded by John McConnell in 1969 and approved by the UN General Secretary, U Thant in 1971. It’s also called Sun-Earth Day. And is not to be confused with the US Earth Day celebrated on April 22nd.

Today, environmental concerns will be emphasized. Global warming, reducing carbon emissions, recycling, and other eco-friendly measures will be highlighted.

On such days, my thoughts take a slightly different turn.

#1 I Recognize that God Created the Earth.

Lawrence Richards called earth the “Odd Planet,” in his book “It Couldn’t Just Happen.” He wrote, “It’s not just that many features of earth have to be just right to support life. What is most amazing is that many complex processes must continue to operate in a delicate balance for our planet to continue to be a zone of life.”

Richards cites the various “laws of nature,” on which we can depend to ensure our continued existence. The earth’s tilt, its atmosphere, gravity, proximity to the sun and our moon revolving around it, and much more make life on earth possible.

Sadly, many who celebrate “Earth Day,” are unaware or unconvinced of the Genesis account. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God made earth as a unique and special dwelling place for his creation. The Psalmist was right when he wrote:

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein…The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Ps 24:1; 19:1)

#2 We should be Good Stewards of our Resources.

I grew up on a small farm in central Indiana. My Dad and Uncle practiced soil conservation. I was taught not to be wasteful. But to be thrifty, saving, and careful with all of our God-given resources.

Stewardship is a Bible principle that applies to all of life. Anything that God has given us ought to be appreciated, respected, and used appropriately. The natural resources, the fruit of the land, and all of God’s creation is His gift to us. Use it. Don’t abuse it. And thank God for it.

#3 “We’re not put on this earth to live forever.”

This is a quote I often heard from my Mom during her final years, after she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.

God never intended for planet earth to be our eternal dwelling place. He has prepared for us a heavenly home which will supersede all of the greatness, grandeur and beauty of this world. Reading Revelation 21 and 22 provides a glimpse into God’s abode and what He’s prepared for the home of the soul.

Let’s be careful that we don’t become so attached to this world and its allure, message and projects that we miss out of an infinitely better world.

#4 This World will One Day End.

All of the environmental mandates, legislative measures, and stewardship projects will not save the earth in the end.

The Bible says “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Pet 3:10).

We’re talking about some serious global warming. It’s a future reality. God has decreed it. So it will happen. One day.

In the meantime, Peter adds, “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Pet. 3:11).

Doing your part to be environmentally conscious on International Earth Day is fine. However, more importantly let’s be spiritually aware of our purpose, mission and destiny.

In the words of the hymnist, Albert E. Brumley:

This world is not my home
I’m just a-passing through
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman