Some Biblical Thoughts About Earth Day

Today, April 22 is International Earth Day. According to their webpage their mission is to “diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.”

Earth Day began in 1970 and claims to be the largest environmental movement with over 150,000 partners and more than 192 countries.

The theme for the 2025 Earth Day is “Our Power, Our Planet.” While I understand the thought behind the theme, I wondered if any reference was made on their webpage about “God’s Power, God’s Planet.” Though not an exhaustive search, I couldn’t find any mention about the Creator.

The Bible speaks of the earth over 900 times. Many times in connection with God’s Divine power, presence, providence, and purpose. Here are just 10 such references.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1).

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15).

“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it” (Deut. 10:14).

“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals” (Ps 36:5-6).

“The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Ps. 24:1).

”Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy” (Ps.96:11-12).

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps. 19:1)

“For you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Rev. 4:11).

“for the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness” (1 Cor. 10:26).

“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).

Some observations about these passages.

#1 God created the earth.

Earth did not gradually form over millions or billions of years through an evolutionary process. God created the earth, including the plant and animal kingdom as well as mankind in 6 days as succinctly stated in Genesis 1.

#2 The earth belongs to God.

As the Creator, God is the owner. The earth is His. Not mine. He is the Sustainer and Provider. It continues to function by His providence according the laws He set in motion.

#3 The earth is a manifestation of His glory.

From the rugged, towering mountains to the lush valleys below, from the emerald forests to the glistening oceans, from the sun kissed blue skies to the tropical beach below, and from the radiant sunrise to the sunset that paints a canvas ablaze with a spectrum of colors, it all resounds to praise its Maker and Master.

#4 We worship the Creator, not the creation.

As a result of the preceding principles, however, we do not worship what God made. We worship Him. Pagan thinkers overemphasize the material world and forget the spiritual component. As Paul said about the Gentile world who failed to glorify and honor God, they “exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Rom. 1:18-25).

#5 Mankind is entrusted with the earth’s stewardship.

Our emphasis on the spiritual over the material, however, does not negate earthly responsibilities. As with all things given to us by God like time, talent, and treasure, we are to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. To waste, abuse, pollute or mismanage them is to neglect our responsibility. If we approach everything on this earth from the viewpoint it’s all on loan from God, it will impact how we use His blessings.

#6 One day the earth will be destroyed.

God never created the earth with the intention that it would exist forever. One day there will be the ultimate global warming event, when the Lord destroys the world and all its contents by fire. At that time, He will transport us to a more beautiful and eternal home to abide in Heaven’s land.

Soil conservation, reduction of wastes, and protection of our environmental resources are appropriate. However, don’t forget the earth’s orgin, its purpose, and its ultimate destiny. As with all responsibilities “under the sun,” let’s balance it with our spiritual obligations and eternal aspirations.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman