Applying the Old Testament to Your Life
Yes, You Are a Steward of the Earth—but Don’t Panic!
Taking care of the environment is an essential commandment, but we don’t have to make it complicated.
Pollution. Deforestation. Oceans full of trash. Climate change.
When you hear these words and phrases, you may feel anxiety, hopelessness, or even information overload–inflicted indifference.
In recent years, social media has brought environmental concerns to the forefront of our global attention, and seeing the scope of the issues is important. But sometimes, having such a broad lens can make it hard to identify what your personal responsibility might be—or even why you should try in the first place.
The solution? Understanding your divinely appointed role as a steward of God’s creations.
Why Should I Care?
Did you know that Heavenly Father has commanded us all to actively engage in preserving the earth?
In Doctrine and Covenants 104:13, the Lord extends this profound invitation: “For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures.”
If that’s not enough of a call to action, our modern-day prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, proclaimed: “As beneficiaries of the divine Creation, what shall we do? We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations.”
A steward is someone who watches over something that has been put in their care. The Lord has put the earth in your care, and your job is to maintain it.
It’s easy to shift environmental responsibility to someone else or a bigger entity than yourself when it feels like a planet-sized problem you can’t begin to tackle alone.
Reframing a global responsibility into a personal spiritual one is the key to avoiding overwhelm. Remember: You are uniquely qualified for your position as a steward of the earth because of your divine identity as a child of God.
Where Do I Even Start?
You just read the job description. Now what? It’s time to take a faith-based approach to sustainability.
Here are 10 ideas to get you started:
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Turn the water off when it’s not in use.
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Find fun ways to repurpose your worn-out belongings.
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Opt for alternative forms of transportation when possible.
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Start a service project in your community.
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Be more mindful of what you purchase. Ask, “Will I actually use this item long-term?”
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Use natural light as much as possible during the day.
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Stay informed about local sustainability initiatives and laws. This could be as simple as following your local government’s social media accounts.
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Beautify your world. Pick up trash, try planting flowers or trees, and be responsible when enjoying the outdoors.
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Help your neighbor. Think gardening, offering transportation, or picking up their recycling for them if they don’t have a service to do so.
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Pray to know how you can use your talents and spiritual gifts to be a better environmental steward.
What If I Don’t See Results?
You did everything on the list, and the ocean is still full of trash, pollution is still a problem, and your social media feed has not gotten any more positive.
Wait! Before you give up, remember your “why.”
In a recent devotional, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said: “It is important that we recognize the connection between caring for the earth and caring for our neighbor. In caring for the earth, beautifying our local environment, and helping our communities become more sustainable, we are acting as wise stewards of the earth to bless the lives of our neighbors.”
Every effort, no matter how small, is another step in following the Lord’s commandment to act as a steward over earthly blessings.
Let Your Heart Be Glad
The Lord explained that “all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:18).
Make environmental stewardship a priority in your life, but don’t allow anxiety, hopelessness, or fear to overshadow the joy that comes from living on this beautiful earth.
Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé taught, “These wonderful creations were prepared entirely for our benefit and are living proof of the love the Creator has for His children.”
As you strive to live this commandment to become better stewards of the earth, you can grow a deeper appreciation for God’s creations and enrich the lives of those around you.