Living in the Spirit
September 12, 2018
Scripture Reading: Psalm 19
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb. –Psalm 19:7-10
I write this after reading in the morning paper the plans of our current federal administration to back the USA further out of Environmental Protection Agency safeguards and preventive measures designed to deal with the clear and present dangers that climate change is having on our world. Just before I read the newspaper I sent a Facebook message to a friend who lives in Hilton Head, South Carolina wishing him God’s protections as he evacuates his home in preparation for a level 4 hurricane bearing down on his community. He knows the drill; he had to evacuate last year and recover from hurricane damage. This storm is worse.
God’s laws are not just the 613 recorded in the Torah. God’s laws are embedded in every blade of grass and human heart. When we break God’s laws, we pay the consequences. The creation story tells us that we are to be stewards of the earth. Having dominion means having responsibility not license to destroy for greed.
Throughout history, climate change cycles have happened whether caused by humans or occurring naturally. We are charged with the responsibility of responding appropriately as God has endowed us with the wisdom to do.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we fail to care for the earth which you graciously provided for our sustenance and enjoyment. Grant us the wisdom as we follow the course of our interrelation with our ecosystems to foster the greater good for the earth and all that is on it. Amen.