At the beginning of a new year, predictions come from various wise heads about where we are all going. Some are currently talking about terrorism, some outbreak of war, others natural disasters and then there is the inevitable topic of global warming.

We all agree that Earth is the best place for human beings to live. Someone recently suggested that a colony should be commenced on another planet to relieve pressures here, but I can’t imagine many people volunteering. However, it must be faced that we have not looked after our planetary home at all well.

We have spoiled our home turf
There is no denying that we haven’t given our environment the respect it deserves. Due to exploitation, much of the natural world has suffered. It is disturbing to read of the loss of so many species of plant and animal life which has gone on at a pace and goes on right now. Pollution of air and water is obvious but an end to it is not forthcoming.

Whether or not we agree with the concept of climate change, we are hard pressed to explain a number of facts about our weather patterns around the globe. Comparing facts and figures from recent decades with the earlier history of Earth, there is room for alarm.

So, where now?
God gave man the job of caretaker when he created us and our home. We were meant to use resources with care, exercising responsible management. We weren’t meant to kill, destroy, lust for power and riches, or ride roughshod over other people or other living things. But we have done these things on a grand scale.

Around the world is a growing army of environment-conscious people who want dearly to save our planet. While I sympathise with them, I see no hope apart from Christ. He can transform the planet. But in the end, the earth as we know it will be destroyed completely according to the Bible.

The really big issue
Strangely, this whole area of discussion leaves out the key aspect. The heart of mankind. Our nature. We fell into sin and have been warped ever since. That’s why our history, our report card, is what it is. The story of a marred and faulty creature who was the crown of God’s creation. Hence the spoiling that has gone on. And the seemingly incurable problems still haunt us.

Made over again
We need a re-make and God offers it. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, all has become new. This is the experience of countless people who have met the risen Christ and yielded their lives to him.

Note also that the Bible speaks of new heavens and a new earth in which dwells righteousness.

Christians are incredibly optimistic — and for good reasons.

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