So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth ….  Genesis 1:27,28

Isn’t it ironic that some men only got around to valuing and protecting the earth as lately as 1970? That is the year that Earth Day, based on the assertion that all people have a moral right to a healthy sustainable environment, was inaugurated on April 22. It is also considered to be the beginning of the modern-day Environmental Movement. The Industrial Revolution had raged on since 1733 with no environmental controls until the 1970’s. With the advent of Earth Day, beneficial legislation was enacted, including the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

Called to Take Care of the Earth

And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it.  Genesis 2:15

By Earth Day 2000, there were 5,000 environmental groups in 184 countries. Word was spread through the worldwide web as well as by talking drum chains in Gabon, Africa, from village to village. Mankind had been slow to begin its responsibility to take care of the earth, our home, but we hastened to correct our neglect.

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”  Psalm 24:1

Most recently, Earth Day’s influence was still spreading exponentially. Its anniversary in 2010 saw the Earth Day Network amassing 225,000 people to the National Mall for the Climate Rally. It also launched the international initiative to plant one million trees, in partnership with Avatar movie director James Cameron. The online base of the Earth Day network was tripled to 900,000 members.

O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”  Psalm 104:24

As this article was being written, there were 72,387,290 and counting acts of green toward the Billion Acts of Green project. In this Earth Day Network initiative, organizations and individuals can write in their pledges to do something to benefit the earth, from as small as “starting my own organic garden” to organizing an Earth Day event.

Creation Points to the Creator

… thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.  Revelation 11:18

Remembering that we are merely passing through on this earth for our short lifetimes, we must be careful custodians for future generations. And as believers in God and his creation, the earth and its living creatures must be respected as works of God. Although man is lauded for his intelligence, he cannot recreate the earth! He can only create a day to heighten awareness of the earth’s wonders, made by God.

Taking Back Earth Day for God

We’re using Earth Day as a reminder that creation points to the Creator. The earth is not merely an “incubator” for evolution; rather, it’s a complex and intelligently designed home that God has given mankind to care for and keep. It may be flawed due to man’s abuse, but the earth is still a magnificent creation, and every creation has to have a creator. We credit God!

On Earth Day, we’re asking people to join in celebrating God as Creator.