Humanity’s Stewardship of Creation Under God

The following is drawn from and inspired by the writings of Bob Mumford, who has influenced me through his ministry and writings since I was in my 20s (I’m 62 now). It speaks of stewardship of creation, our testimony, and even our physicality. When God put man in the garden, He didn’t say “Have a Party!!!” On the contrary He told Adam and Eve to accept the task of dominion and authority over the natural creation. Thus humanity, even in the Edenic state, was given stewardship of creation under God. This means that we are entrusted with the care and management of the created world, not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of all creation, including future generations.

The Bible teaches us that God created the world and everything in it, and that He saw that it was good (Genesis 1:31). He then created humanity in His own image, and gave us dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28).

This dominion is not to be understood as tyrannical or exploitative. Rather, it is a responsibility to care for and manage the earth in a way that reflects God’s own character of love, wisdom, and justice.

Unfortunately, humanity has fallen short of this responsibility. Sin corrupted us, and our greed and lust for power have led us to plunder and pollute the earth. We have also dehumanized, enslaved, and annihilated one another.

But the good news is that God has not given up on us. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins and to offer us new life in Him. When we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are forgiven of our sins and transformed by His Spirit.

As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. This means that we are to use our resources wisely and care for the environment in a responsible way. It also means we are to treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or social status. That doesn’t mean we APPROVE of all, because if we were all approved by God, there would be no need for the Cross. We do, however ACCEPT all – – specifically AS THOSE FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED. If Jesus’ died for those you denigrate and put down, then you are part of the problem and not part of the solution. 

Here are some specific ways that we can be faithful stewards of God’s creation:

• Speak kindly to those whose lifestyles don’t reflect our values. Why? Because love never fails to produce more love. Paul said in Romans that God’s GOODNESS leads men to repent. So start speaking GOODNESS over those you have previously vilified and put down IF you want to see them repent. If you can’t bring yourself to do this, it is because you have an agenda OTHER than seeing men repent and come out of non-biblically aligned lifestyles and choices.
• Reduce our consumption of resources and recycle and compost whenever possible. The Levites received 10 percent of the wealth of ancient Israel as their stipend – 10 percent of the GDP of an entire nation. They were, however, required to give 15.9 percent of their wealth to the poor. What is that? Surplus. We are a nation of waste and extravagance. Jesus said if you have two coats, give to him who has none. (otherwise, how dwells the love of God in you?). Learn to identify and liquidate your surplus and give it to those in need. God told me once, “I will keep you in surplus when you give of your surplus to the poor.)
• Choose to buy products and services from companies that are committed to sustainability and ethical practices. People do tend to go off the deep end on this – but scripture plainly states “as much as lies in you do good to all men PARTICULARLY those of the household of faith.” We need to prioritized supporting the people, candidates, and businesses that reflect biblical values (note I didn’t say YOUR values). 
• Support organizations that are working to protect the environment and promote social justice.
• Live a simple and modest lifestyle, and avoid unnecessary debt.
• Be generous with your time and resources, and help those in need.

When we are faithful stewards of God’s creation, we reflect His character and bring glory to Him. We are also helping to build a better world for present and future generations.

The Parables of the Kingdom

In the Gospels, Jesus tells a number of parables about the kingdom of God. In many of these parables, Jesus compares the kingdom to a master who entrusts his property to his servants while he is away.

For example, in the parable of the minas (Matthew 25:14-30), the master gives three of his servants different amounts of money and tells them to invest it while he is gone. When the master returns, he rewards the servants who have invested their money wisely and punishes the servant who has squandered his money.

This parable teaches us that God has entrusted us with different gifts and talents and expects us to use them wisely. He will hold us accountable for how we have managed what He has given us.

The Foundation of Enlarged Authority

In Bob Mumford’s writings, he makes an association between stewardship and authority.  “Faithful stewardship is the foundation of enlarged authority.” This is a very important principle.

When we are faithful stewards of what God has given us, He entrusts us with more and more responsibility. This is because He knows that we can be trusted.

For example, in the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the master rewards the servants who have invested their money wisely by giving them even more money to manage.

This parable teaches us that as we are faithful stewards of what God has given us, He will enlarge our authority and give us more opportunities to serve Him.

Humanity’s Future

God’s original intent and purpose in creation was for humans to govern the earth as co-stewards with Him. However, we quickly departed from this initial purpose and picked up new direction from the serpent and wanted to be “like” God.

But the good news is that God has not given up on us. He has a plan to restore His creation to its original glory. And He is calling us to be a part of that plan.

As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. We are also called to be ambassadors of His kingdom, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.

When we do this, we are helping to prepare the world for the day when Jesus returns and establishes His eternal kingdom.

Conclusion

Humanity was given stewardship of creation under God. This is a great responsibility, but it is also a great privilege. When we are faithful stewards, we reflect God’s character and bring glory to Him. We are also helping to build a better world for present and future generations.

Let us all commit to being faithful stewards of God’s creation.