Pollution. Global warming. Climate change. Environmental issues. The 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake. Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Sandy in 2012. The BP oil spill in 2010. Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. The combination of both natural and man-made tragedies fueled by a media flood of stories, movies, and documentaries have all contributed to ideas about sustainability. Hundreds of sustainability movements are active around the country, such as Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, Greenpeace, Forest Stewardship Council, and more. According to Andy May, these are all organizations striving to “sustain” the Earth using methods to convey their message ranging from simple education and awareness to illegal activities in support …show more content…
A proper perspective starts with the concept of stewardship. We have the responsibility to care for the resources that God has given to us and for ‘sustaining’ them for future generations. What is a steward? A steward is one who manages the resources belonging to another. A steward is not an owner, but rather one who is held accountable for the management of the owner’s property. According to Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Stewardship then is the act of being a steward accountable to God, and God expects us to be good stewards. Sustainability must be understood in light of our care of God’s creation. Sustainability should be respecting and taking care of the world God has given us. Kishore Jayabalan, who has earned a B.A. in political science and economics, stated “Unlike sustainability, stewardship promotes private property along with human initiative and creativity” (2015). Stewardship gives us the proper motivation for a balanced view of sustainability that cares for the needs of others while caring for our God given resources and ensuring their existence for future