Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion (benevolent caretaker) over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air…” Genesis 1:26.
Felicia and I went out for a hike last Saturday near the Canadian border. It was a rainy, almost-spring day in the Northwest. There were hundreds of birds frolicking in the waters and gliding through the air. Walking along a pathway by the beach we were reminded repeatedly by the homeowners’ association to stay on the path, to respect the fragile bird habitat. I was pleased to see homeowners expressing such concern for the winged creatures that shared the beach with them. For hundreds of yards, the natural bushes and shrubbery on the shore reached high, providing cover for nesting birds.
But then the scenery changed. The beach was still below us, the signs were still there to warn us from straying off the path, but as we approached a long row of expensive, mostly empty second homes, the natural cover had been drastically cut down to protect the views of the homeowners.
It is complicated to live in a world where we are situated at the top of the food chain, with the power to enhance or destroy that which has been entrusted to us. As entitled, educated, North Americans, we are environmentalists who use more than our share of the resources, travel long distances for our amusement, and cut back fragile habitats to protect our view of creation.
Please know that this is a self-critique. My thoughts most certainly apply to me; you can decide if they have anything to say to you. It is complicated living in a world where we are situated at the top of the food chain. Humans are at the top of the food chain, and most of us are comfortably among the richest ten percent of the world’s population. Blessed to be a blessing. To whom much is given, much is expected. I know that this conversation is complicated, but if we quit having the conversation and asking the questions, we are not likely to address the issues that threaten us.
Let humility guide our conversations and may we have the courage to face our own hypocrisy. May our views be unobstructed as we scan the story of our lives.
Wishing you and all creation the best,
Pastor Jim
Jesus said, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” Matthew 6:1
