Living Ethically In The Modern WorldSample
A few years ago, I did a night-time trek up Mount Sinai in Egypt. I wanted to capture the sunrise from its peak. However, the magic came for me, not at sunrise (although that was spectacular), but in the moments of stopping and looking up at the sky. It’s the first and only time I’ve seen the Milky Way while standing under the cover of layers and layers of incredible stars.
“Let there be light” must be one of the most infamous verses in the whole Bible. With those four words God not only shapes our waking-and-sleeping schedules, but makes a statement as to who he is; which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who declares, “I am the light of the world.”
Revelation tells us that there will be a time when there is no night or day, for God’s light will be all powerful. Until then, we are reliant on the flick of a switch. The light which God provides, and which we see revealed in Jesus, was never intended to merely serve our self interest. While this light can bring comfort and revelation in hard times, Jesus’ command is that we give light to everyone in the house. We’re told not to hide our light but to “let it shine before others.”
How do we share this light that God gives to us while living ethically? What does this look like in a practical sense?
What if we could be part of something much bigger than just lighting our own homes? Pollution from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas massively contributes to climate change. This negatively affects the poorest communities the most. Switching to a green source of electricity and gas, such as wind farms, can be one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce our personal carbon emissions.
Countries like Uruguay have switched, and now get 95% of their electricity from renewable sources, proving that an alternative way to power our homes is viable, and can even help people save on their bills.
Do some research into what green electricity is available in your area. You could even invite the neighbors over to see what the best deals are and then make the big switch together.
“Let there be light” must be one of the most infamous verses in the whole Bible. With those four words God not only shapes our waking-and-sleeping schedules, but makes a statement as to who he is; which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who declares, “I am the light of the world.”
Revelation tells us that there will be a time when there is no night or day, for God’s light will be all powerful. Until then, we are reliant on the flick of a switch. The light which God provides, and which we see revealed in Jesus, was never intended to merely serve our self interest. While this light can bring comfort and revelation in hard times, Jesus’ command is that we give light to everyone in the house. We’re told not to hide our light but to “let it shine before others.”
How do we share this light that God gives to us while living ethically? What does this look like in a practical sense?
What if we could be part of something much bigger than just lighting our own homes? Pollution from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas massively contributes to climate change. This negatively affects the poorest communities the most. Switching to a green source of electricity and gas, such as wind farms, can be one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce our personal carbon emissions.
Countries like Uruguay have switched, and now get 95% of their electricity from renewable sources, proving that an alternative way to power our homes is viable, and can even help people save on their bills.
Do some research into what green electricity is available in your area. You could even invite the neighbors over to see what the best deals are and then make the big switch together.
Scripture
About this Plan
God’s unique crafting of our universe is to be treasured and adored. Yet, we find ourselves living in a time when the climate is changing, leaving those living in poor communities even more vulnerable to poverty, hunger and displacement. As God-ordained stewards of his creation, we have been given the privilege of looking after this beautiful earth. Over the course of seven days, we will reflect on each day of creation and how we can live differently, sustainably and ethically as part of our worship to Creator God.
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