How can Genesis 2:15 guide our stewardship of the environment? The Text of Genesis 2:15 “Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.” — Genesis 2:15, Berean Standard Bible Two Key Verbs: Cultivate and Keep • Cultivate (Hebrew — ‘abad): to work, serve, till, and develop. • Keep (Hebrew — shamar): to guard, watch, preserve, and protect. God’s first mandate to humanity links productive labor with protective care. Both actions are ongoing and intentional. Stewardship Flows from Ownership • Scripture presents the earth as the Lord’s possession (Psalm 24:1). • Humanity is appointed as caretakers, never owners in the ultimate sense. • Because God’s Word is accurate and literal, this delegated responsibility still stands. Guarding Creation from Corruption • Resist pollution, waste, and practices that degrade soil, water, and air. • Support conservation efforts that preserve habitats and species He called “very good.” • Treat animals humanely, reflecting Noah’s literal care for living creatures. Working Creation Toward Flourishing • Develop land, technology, and resources in ways that increase fruitfulness without destructive extraction. • Plant, harvest, and build with long-term health in mind, mirroring Eden’s sustainable abundance. • Encourage innovations that bless communities—clean energy, responsible farming, reforestation. Practical Applications Today • Reduce single-use items, reuse goods, and recycle materials to honor the charge to “keep.” • Volunteer for local clean-ups, tree-plantings, or community gardens. • Support businesses and missionaries who pursue ethical production and environmental integrity. • Teach children the biblical basis for caring for God’s world as a form of obedience. • Budget time and money for stewardship projects alongside other kingdom priorities. Why Stewardship Matters in the Redemption Story • Romans 8:19-23 shows creation longing for freedom from corruption; wise stewardship anticipates that future restoration. • Colossians 1:16-17 affirms Christ sustaining all things; caring for creation aligns with His sustaining work. • Revelation 22 depicts a renewed Eden; present obedience foreshadows that coming reality. Living Genesis 2:15 Daily Treat every plot of land, every stream, and every resource as on loan from God. Work to make them productive and beautiful, and guard them so future generations can rejoice in the handiwork of their Creator. |
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