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Cynthia Clayton The title for Cynthia's Corner

TAKING CARE OF OUR PHYSICAL
AND EMOTIONAL ENVIRONMENT

God's creation is awesome and complex, reflecting his power, glory, and wisdom (Proverbs 8). “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). God's Word says we can know there is a God through the things he has made (Romans 1:19-20). Everything in creation has design and purpose because God planned it with wisdom and foresight and executed it without mistakes or flaws.

This is not only true of the physical creation, but it is also true of the seasons of our lives. The season of childhood is amazing. As I see the joy and fascination of my four-year-old grandson, I marvel at the wonder of childhood. I remember the spring season of youth and the joy of romance, marriage, and family. The summer season of growing families and careers is challenging but very rewarding. Now, as I am in the fall season of maturity, I treasure the family and friends who have helped me through those challenges. I treasure my relationship with God and my spiritual family on Earth. The bonds of faith, love, and friendship support and comfort us through the seasons of life and make life worth living.

We can mess up God's design by failing his command to take care of “the Garden” (Genesis 2:15). When we remove/change God's natural barriers and protections, we suffer the consequences of “natural disasters” such as floods, hurricanes, wildfires, etc. When we pollute our environment, it adversely affects our health. Even though climate changes are natural and cyclical, humans are affecting the global climate by abuse of our environment. God does not save us from the consequences of our actions. “We reap what we sow” (Galatians 6:7-8).

We can mess up God's design for our personal lives as well. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing children victimized by adult abuse and selfishness. When we do not care for our marriages and our children as God has instructed us to (Ephesians 5:22-33; 6:1-4), we create indescribable trauma. Without the loving and supportive relationships God designed us to have, we face increasing stress-related illnesses, substance abuse, and suicides.

God has blessed us with a vibrant, spectacular planet to care for. He has blessed us with family and friends to love and support us. He has given us the Bible to tell us how to have an abundant, fulfilling life here and how to have eternal life through his Son Jesus Christ.

— Cynthia Clayton

Picture credits:
© Julie Marcussen

Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website.