Sustainability, by definition, is the means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals for future generations. Who wouldn’t be in favor of that kind of sustainability? Yet somehow, Christianity has been depicted in opposition to sustainability. But, what saith the Scripture?
Even before God had given any other command to His newly created human image bearers, “God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28 KJV). He blessed them and approvingly gave His command to multiply their offspring with dominion over all living things. But most significantly, humanity is to “replenish” (1:28) and equally to “subdue” (1:28) our planet. The significance of near space and outer space is important only in relation to how it affects our primary dominion over earth.
The depiction of ravaging the planet in the name of monetary profitability may be acceptable to some economic systems, but God’s economic model must feature subduing the planet, while replenishing it (Genesis 1:28). This only meets the requirement of God’s original directive to man. Any human system — public or private — must optimize these features of subduing and replenishing, if it reflects God’s original intention for humankind.
God Alone Is Sustainable
But, the concept of sustainability is truly feasible only to the extent it represents obedience to the command of the Creator God. This is true because Jehovah alone is sustainably everlasting. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlastings arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them” (Deuteronomy 33:27). Only a God capable of sustaining Himself from everlasting to everlasting is able to promote true sustainability. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). And, it is unsurprising in our New Covenant times that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of true sustainability. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Sustainability Possible Because God Commands It
God never gives a command which cannot be obeyed, because God is faithful. “For this is the love of God: that we keep His commandments. And His commandments do not weigh us down” (1John 5:3 NET). No one can say to God His commands are burdensome, impossibly grievous, and unthoughtfully weighing us down. When we have treated Yahweh as a burdensome taskmaster rather than a Loving Father or Faithful Creator, then we are prone to interpret our profitability more in terms of subduing our planet rather than also replenishing it.
Sustainability Advocated by the World, Laudable But Impossible
Advocated by the world, True Sustainability is not possible. The Second Law of Thermodynamics speaks of a running down process counterintuitive to an evolutionary principle. Sustainability should not be opposed on the grounds the world lacks theological justification, but it should be understood as truly supported by solid biblical principle. Sustainability scientifically modeled may be practically feasible but becomes burdensome without the realistic goal of duplicating the Creator’s intention. “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV). God’s faithfulness models His intention of sustainability and promotes His glory when sustainability is achieved.
Sustainability in Economic Model and Resources Unachievable
Viewing manmade programs from the perspective of sustainability should direct our involvement or reluctance to be involved. To the degree sustainability is understood to align with God’s faithfulness, it is achievable; but, when others promote sustainability short of that understanding, sustainability should only be pursued with the understanding God will sustain His own people regardless of the consensus of the surrounding world. “And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:22-23).
Sustainability Is Truly God’s Faithfulness
“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The world can require sustainability, but it cannot achieve it without the Invisible Hand of God working. We do not want to discourage the world from seeking sustainability, but we do desire them to see their goal truly achieved by seeking the Everlasting God. “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 106:48). Sustaining us now and forevermore is our understanding of Jesus Christ. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). God’s blessing of sustainability can be noticed by those outside of our understanding of faith because of the conduct of our trusting in God’s sustainability. “And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake” (Genesis 30:27).
Father, may Your people look upon You as the Eternal Sustaining God. May You promote and preserve Your people as You sustain our planet. May those around us sense their blessing comes from our presence. But, may your blessing of sustaining us be to your glory and not our credit. Continue to work until our purpose is fulfilled on this planet. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 