DAY 18: Caring for Creation

Creation Is A Gift To Protect

Micah 6:[1-5] 6-8  and Proverbs 14:31

Rise, plead your case before the mountains...


Efforts to develop and encourage recycling programs have been ongoing for decades now. Still, theEnvironmental Protection Agency reports that only 35.3% of all recyclable paper was recycled in 1994, the last year for which they have data. Every ton of paper made from recycled paper saved about 17 trees and the process of making recycled paper uses 60% less energy than making paper from scratch. We continue to waste trees and pollute the environment needlessly instead of simply recycling what we have used.

The prophet Micah pictures the mountains and hills, God's creations, as the audience for the argument between God and humanity. When God challenges the people because of how they treat one another, God calls nature as the witness. When we harm the world that God has created, we also hurt the people who depend on that nature for survival.


What are some ways that our misuse of God's creation hurts other people? (Explore the United Nations' Earth Watch Web site.)


Prayer:
God of all creation, help me to be a good steward of what you have given to all people. Amen


Action step:
Talk with your youth leader or pastor about the recycling programs at your church. See if there are ways that you can help to do more.

contributed by Pastor Seth Moland-Kovash