Environment – Big Deal?

Today I spent the best part of the day on Oxford Wycliffe Hall. It was a study day but also Theological Reflection results day. I managed to get only 58% for my dissertation title ‘A Theological Reflection of Church Decline in the UK.’ My conclusion on the decline of church going in the UK was made through an action point – the church needs revival, full stop. I was content with the results and have no reason not to be. A scripture came to mind as I received the result and that was

“Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain” (1 Timothy 6:6)

During the lectures today we looked at the book of Haggai and its central message of the rebuilding of Gods temple. God challenged His people through the prophet by asking them to compare the luxury of their houses compared to the temple which lay in ruins. Haggai is one book which I haven’t spent much time in but I thank God today the Lord used the lecturer to stir up something in my heart to study it more and live it more.

I was able to share my opinions on some other questions we looked at. One in particular I felt very strongly was ‘how committed should Christians be to environmental care? For me, I see there is a greater priority for Christians, the glory of God and the salvation of men. I like what Todd Friel said on ‘Way of the Master Radio’. “Should we make sure lost people can take a last gulp of fresh clean air before the go to hell?” The Church of Jesus Christ has a bigger mandate from God than environmental care and that is giving God the glory in everything through worship, submission, love, honour and then the great Commission. Many may disagree but who cares? It probably even sounds like a circular argument, but who cares! We’ve seen how far political correct madness has got the church. It’s about time the liberals were ousted anyway and men and women with a pure desire for Gods heart and His glory were raised up. What’s more important, eternity or what type of paper I use? I know which I am going to prioritise.

If we submit our lives to the Great Commandment to love God and our neighbour, I believe as an automatic result we will become good stewards of this planet. But let us do away with the patronising nonsense of prioritising environmental care. We must be responsible but let’s not get fixated on this and preach and write books about this.

On Christmas day, a few years ago, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury had the ears of many to preach the clear cut, unadulterated Gospel message. Instead he decides to preach an allegorical sermon about the environment and our responsibility for eco-friendly living. On the other side of the pond, on the same day, (so I am told) John Piper was preaching about the absolute lost condition of man and his need for salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Then we wonder why the Church of Jesus Christ is so powerless in this generation. Environment, big deal! The Church in the UK has bigger issues than the environment.

“but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” Jude 1:23

That I May Know Him