Definition and Overview:
Environmental stewardship refers to the responsible management and care of the natural world, as entrusted to humanity by God. This concept is rooted in the biblical narrative, where humans are called to exercise dominion over creation in a manner that reflects God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love.

Biblical Foundation:
The foundation for environmental stewardship is established in the opening chapters of Genesis. In Genesis 1:26-28 , God creates humanity in His image and grants them dominion over the earth: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'"

This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a call to stewardship, reflecting God's care and order. Genesis 2:15 further emphasizes this role: "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it." The Hebrew words used here, "abad" (to cultivate) and "shamar" (to keep), suggest a duty to serve and protect the environment.

Theological Implications:
Environmental stewardship is an expression of the imago Dei, the image of God in humanity. As bearers of God's image, humans are to mirror His character in their interaction with creation. This includes exercising authority with justice, mercy, and humility, as seen in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

The earth belongs to the Lord, as stated in Psalm 24:1 : "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This acknowledgment of divine ownership calls for a respectful and reverent approach to environmental care.

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to engage in practices that reflect their stewardship responsibilities. This includes sustainable living, conservation efforts, and advocacy for policies that protect the environment. Proverbs 12:10 highlights the righteous care for creation: "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty."

Eschatological Perspective:
The Bible also presents an eschatological vision where creation is renewed and restored. Romans 8:19-21 speaks of creation's longing for redemption: "The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

This future hope motivates believers to care for the environment as a foretaste of the coming restoration. Revelation 21:1 describes the new creation: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more."

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide a detailed environmental policy, it offers principles that guide believers in their stewardship of creation. By recognizing the earth as God's creation and humanity's role as caretakers, Christians are called to honor God through responsible and loving management of the environment.