“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” Psalm 24:1
Believing
In a world created with great beauty and complexity, yet severely damaged by human greed and carelessness, we believe that:
- God has made this world good, and creation reflects God’s glory
- God owns the earth and all it contains, sustaining all life in his loving power
- Human beings are but one small part of creation, yet are entrusted with the responsible use and care of creation to God’s glory
- The environmental crisis is at root a spiritual crisis, in which God has created enough for our needs, but not our greed
- There is hope for the planet, because of God’s commitment in creating, in sustaining, and supremely through Jesus in reconciling all creation to himself
- Living sustainably is integral to Christian worship and mission
Therefore I commit myself to …
- celebrating, delighting in and worshipping God for the wonders of creation
- rethinking, and where necessary repenting for, my beliefs, attitudes and lifestyle, in the light of the Bible’s teaching on the care for creation
- following the Bible’s teaching, even when it is counter-cultural
- living lightly in my use of resources, as a matter of justice and worship
- supporting A Rocha in prayer, volunteering and finance as I am able.
The 24:1 Prayer
Eternal God, Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer. We praise you for all your works and we marvel at your love. We acknowledge our dependence upon your provision in creation, and proclaim afresh that the earth and all that is in it belong to you alone. Forgive us for misusing your precious world, for causing the suffering of the poor and the groaning of creation. Forgive us for failing to show your image in how we care for the earth. Through the saving work of Jesus and the transforming power of your Spirit, remake us in your image. Break our addiction to material possessions. Fill us again with wonder and delight at your works. Cause us to live in a way that reveals your justice and demonstrates that you are Lord in our lives, and in your world. We pray this, that your Kingdom may come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.