Caring for His Creation

devo1April is here! This is the month we see flowers bloom, feel the temperature warm up, and enjoy being outside again. We may have picnics with our church family, play ball with our friends from school, or just take a walk. This month we are focusing on, “Pierce my heart to care for Your creation.” Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen…” Where do we see His creations? Everywhere! In fact, a few were just mentioned: nature, our church family, and our friends. Let’s talk about some things He has created, and how we can better care for them.

Nature

Probably the most obvious of His creations is…nature! The very first Scripture in the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” He made the earth we live on, as well as the stars and planets above us. You can read in all of Genesis 1 about how God created the whole earth and everything on it––by simply speaking it into existence; that is a wonderful example of His “eternal power”!

If you have ever taken a trip to the mountains, the beach, or a canyon, it is easy to see God’s power in creating these beautiful places. Even in our hometowns there are places of much beauty and serenity. Cities often have lush gardens to visit or landscaped parks to play in and enjoy. You can see God’s beauty in rays from the sun beaming on gently rolling hills, and lovely wildflowers while driving through small-town countrysides.

Having these blessings in nature are wonderful, but what if we do not take care of them? When people begin to throw trash out of their cars, stop caring for the parks, and forget about our places of peace in nature, we will lose that beauty in our lives. But, we can help! If you live near a park or garden, volunteer to help plant flowers, trees, or shrubs. Pick up the trash you see on your walks in the park. If you live in a smaller town, get a group of friends and clean up a road during the weekend. Or, pick a place in town and ask if you can plant flowers! There are many simple, easy ways to care for the spectacular nature God allows us to find joy in. Let’s take care of these places to show God we appreciate them!

People

devo2Often when we think about God’s creations, we forget about people! In the latter part of Genesis 1, God created man (male and female). We know that God loves man (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9,19), and does not want any to perish in the end. However, we know few follow the narrow path, and not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” will enter that eternal kingdom (Matt. 7:13–14, 21–23). So how can we care for people, whom God created? First of all, we can simply be kind (Ephesians 4:32; Galatians 6:10).

When our actions toward others are kind, caring, helpful, and loving, people will recognize there is something different about us––we are the people of God! (John 13:35). When others trust us, they may be more willing to listen when we tell them about God! Share with people the love of God, and study with them about the salvation He offers, so that they might ultimately be with God one day! As young women, we are in a position to study the Bible with our girl friends. Have a girls’ night, watch a clean movie, make snacks, and study the Bible! By caring for people who do not know God, we are doing what He has commanded––sharing Him with others! (Mark 16:15).

The church

After we become a Christian, we also become a member of Christ’s church. Our church family is a huge blessing from God! In Acts 2:42–47, we read about the fellowship of the early church. They would pray together, eat together, praise God together, worship together…they were just glad to be with one another! We should love the church in the same way. How can we care for the church? Encourage one another (1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 10:24–25; Ecclesiastes 4:10). Pray for one another (James 5:16). And, just as you read in the paragraph above, it is wonderful to be kind and helpful. It is truly a divine blessing that we have the church as a family, and we should care for it continuously.

Taking Action

Caring for our physical world, the people in it, and our church family may seem like a big responsibility at first glance. But with so many little ways to help, Christians can make an enormous impact by working together!  I want to encourage you to ask God to help you see the opportunities you have to care for everything and everyone around you, and how you can let God’s love shine through you each day! Let’s never forget every blessing is from above (James 1:17) and we must care for the blessings He has so lovingly and willingly allowed us to enjoy during our time here on this earth.

By Hannah Smith

Comments

  1. Hannah,
    I am so proud of you. You do a great job writing.

    Love, Grandmama

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