Sunday, June 9, 2013

Kingdom Living as JOY rather than a burden

To make a long story short, in Sunday school this morning I said that some natural disasters could be a result of our pollution of the world and the climate changes it causes.  I was then asked this question, "Is pollution a sin? Do we all really have to go green?"  Of course, this question came about 30 seconds after we were already supposed to be done, so I did not have a chance to answer it (thankfully). I want to say "yes," but how far do we go with that?  Don't use paper products?  What about water usage? there are a lot of questions...

Does God desire us to "go green?" Does kingdom living require us to be conscious, even intentional, about our care of the world and the environment?

Add to these thoughts my post from the other day about documentaries - asking questions like "is it sinful to eat things that harm the body?"  I'm not talking about drugs here, I am talking about processed food, fast food, synthetic additives and such. 

This makes Christianity sound burdensome. Obviously, these are not evangelistic topics - "Christians must go green" or "Christians must be vegans" (I am not saying that either of these statements are necessarily true). 

Even to the students, going green and considering pollution a sin did seem burdensome.  For many, not eating processed foods sounds crazy.  Strangely, today, I realized I am EXCITED to explore these questions.  I am not fearful of "having to" go green or take good care of my body.  I consider it a joy to be the best citizen of the Kingdom of God that I can.  It is not a burden to live as part of God's Kingdom, but a joy!


I thank God for the joy and excitement that he gives me as I explore what all he has in store for me and my life. I do hope to come to conclusions on these issues in the near future, and as I do I will share my thoughts.  But remember, serving Christ is not a burden or an obligation, but a privilege.  Today, I truly feel this way!

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