Jesus asked us to love our neighbour – and explained they are not just the people who live near us and are like us. We are to love people from other races and places. (Luke 10:29-37) God has blessed us with the privilege and responsibility to take care of the earth. (Genesis 1:26-30, 2:15)
What would Jesus say to us about what we are doing to the earth as contemporary consumers? It’s hard for us to see God’s equitable, just and eternal perspective; how our lifestyle would change if we truly lived on earth as in heaven. Jesus said in Matthew 19:23 “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.” It’s hard but not impossible for us to deny ourselves and follow Jesus. His way leads to abundant and eternal life for all who do!
We invite you to explore the articles on these websites:
- HOPE FOR CREATION
- MANNA GUM – Enough for All.
- TRANSITION TOWNS MAROONDAH Inc. An example of local neighbourhood collaboration in eastern Melbourne.
We believe in the power of blessing people, land and its productivity and our environment. Inviting Jesus’ authority into our sphere of influence is life giving! But faith without doing good deeds is dead and fruitless…
Whether you are convinced about climate change or the human role in global warming – loving our neighbours includes helping our local and global neighbours cope with natural disasters and preventing the catastrophe that future disasters can cause.
We are challenged to take responsibility for the level at which we disproportionately consume the earth’s resources.
Heaven on earth includes living simply, growing and consuming healthy seasonal and locally produced food; adopting alternative energy sources; sharing and recycling; reducing our damaging outputs.
Listen to what Jesus taught us about our possessions: Luke 12:15-21,33
15 “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.”
16-19 Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’
20 “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Do you believe that what we collectively choose to buy or not to buy can change the course of life and history on planet Earth, especially for poorer people in developing nations?
- Do you have any ideas for reducing the amount we buy or consume?
- Do you produce, purchase or consume sustainable and ethical alternative products or resources?
- Do you repair and/or recycle things instead of purchasing brand new items or throwing things away?
- Do you own anything that you don’t really need? Could you sell some stuff and give money to poorer people who need money more than you?
Please tell us what you think and what you will do about it…
