If You Love God, Keep His Creation: A Call to Preserve the Earth

On the occasion of "Flower Day" during the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s "Change of Pulpit" program, Rev. Richard Oduro Mantey, the Nankese District Minister, delivered a profound message at the Koforidua Ascension Presbyterian Church. His sermon, themed "Caring for God's Creation," emphasized the responsibility of all people, created in the image of God, to cherish, care for, and preserve the earth.
Drawing inspiration from Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein," Rev. Mantey reminded the congregation of God's love and care for the world and humanity. He highlighted that God, in His infinite love, created a beautiful earth filled with trees, flowers, animals, and rivers, all of which were entrusted to man.
Rev. Mantey likened humanity’s duty to care for the environment to Jesus’ instruction to Peter: "If you love me, care for my sheep." He stated that loving God requires that we care for His creation, just as Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to watch over it.
Quoting from Jeremiah 48:10, Rev. Mantey warned against neglecting this duty, explaining that a curse is placed on those who do the work of God deceitfully. He called on Christians to embody God’s loving nature by preserving and protecting the environment.
Rev. Mantey expressed concern about the ongoing destruction of God's creation through activities like illegal mining, indiscriminate deforestation, and pollution of rivers. He stressed that these actions harm not only the earth but also the creatures that share the planet with humanity. He urged Christians to stop these harmful practices and instead care for the earth, which God created and declared good.
"If we truly love God," Rev. Mantey said, "we must turn from destroying His creation. We must be responsible stewards of the environment, preserving the earth and its fullness for future generations." He concluded by encouraging Christians to reflect on their relationship with the environment, urging them to show their love for God through their actions; to keep, care and preserve.
Credit: Kumwuramhene Sampson
God bless you.
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