Is there undeniable scientific evidence today that global ice fields are melting, ocean levels are rising and air pollution is getting worse at an unprecedented rate? Are water shortages, drought and crop failures on the rise globally due to current weather patterns? It seems to me, yes.
The growing concern about our planet’s future is even becoming a deciding factor for whether couples procreate. Climate change was cited as a factor for 33% of millennials when considering not having children at all or having fewer children (BBC News).
If the global population numbers were to reach unsustainable levels, why would God command humankind to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:26-27)? In order to be mindful of the coming generations, should we abandon God’s command and stop having children?
As lovers of Jesus and the word of God, should we really stop having children and become climate change activists? No and no. Instead here are some things we should be clear on when approaching the subject of climate change:
The True Cause
Let’s start with the core problem. Contrary to popular belief, the primary contributor to climate change is not carbon emissions, but mankind’s SIN! Isaiah 24:5-6 says, “The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore, the curse has devoured the earth…” Romans 8:20-22 tells us that creation was subjected to futility, is in bondage of corruption and is groaning with labor pains under the weight of our sin. (also see Mal 4:5-6; Rev 9:21; Acts 3:21)
The blood of millions of aborted babies cries out. Pride, selfishness and greed fill the earth. Rampant sexual sin, rebellion, murder, adultery and so forth are the true causes of climate change. Man’s sin directly affects the earth in a negative way (Deut 28).
Ultimate Solution
Even if radical global laws were passed tomorrow making it illegal to burn fossil fuels or cause any other kind of environmental damage, they would not provide the climate change solution everyone is looking for. Repentance towards God resulting in the changing of man’s heart and ways is the ultimate solution.
Then you may ask, “Cody, you are saying that if everyone repents and turns from their sin tomorrow, then the effects of climate change will be eradicated?” In theory yes, but according to scripture this will not happen, instead some things are going to get worse. Here are some examples that point to climate change continuing to accelerate:
Worse Before Better
“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent…” Rev 16:8
In Revelation 8, the first three trumpet judgments impact a third of the world’s trees, grass, sea and water.
Am I saying that in light of these coming judgements, we do not need to make a concerted effort to look after the earth, clean up after ourselves, recycle when possible and be conscientious of our carbon foot print? As lovers of God and His creation, we should be those who set an example of what caring for the earth should look like. Revelation 11:18 tells us that God will, “…destroy those who destroy the earth.” He cares about how we look after what He has entrusted to us to steward.
In conclusion, don’t give into fear about the future. You should continue to be fruitful and multiply as you are led and able. God is in control. God the creator of heaven and earth stands behind the so called, ‘fury of mother nature.’ He knows exactly how light or severe every storm should be. All He does is done in love.
We don’t have to avoid the topic of climate change, but let’s be sure we are clear on the true cause. Don’t be duped by the idea that we can change the course of climate change by our own human strength without repentance from sin. “O Lord, help us to live and preach the Gospel, with repentance as the first step!!” (Acts 2:38)
