Going Green
Julia Bettencourt

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It seems like lately that all we hear about is going green, recycling, conserving our resources, and saving the planet. I was thinking about that and began wondering how we could go green as Christians.

1. Use Less Energy.
   I'm sure you are probably familiar with the energy efficient lightbulbs. You know, those kind with the curly top. We've used them in our home for a few years now and our power bill dropped dramatically when we first started using them. The thing is, they are just as bright and last longer than regular lightbulbs.
   
   As Christians, many of us try to go in our own energy and we don't shine as bright as we should and we definitely wear out before we should. On the other hand, when we go in God's strength it's then that we become energy efficient. We begin to shine the light of Christ farther and longer.
   
   Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
   and in the power of his might.  Ephesians 6:10
   
   I can do all things through Christ which
   strengtheneth me.  Philippians 4:13
   
   
2. Use SON Power.
   We all know how harnessing solar power can impact things. The power of the sun can light homes and run factories. It's an amazing source of energy.
   
   We as Christians have an even greater source--SON Power. We can have a relationship with the Son of God. We can know the God who created the sun. What could be a greater Source of power than that?When we allow God's power to work in our lives, look at what an impact we can have.
   
   Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly
   above all that we ask or think, according to the power
   that worketh in us.   Ephesians 3:20
   
   
3. Allow Recycling.
   In our home we usually save our cans and bottles and recycle them. It boggles my mind to see all the products that can be made from what we'd normally think of as garbage.
   
   Did you know that God can recycle too? He can make us over and give us a purpose in life. He's the ultimate recycler. Lives that are broken, cracked, and falling apart, He can take and do something wonderful with. We just have to be willing to allow Him to pick us up and mold us and recycle us for His glory.
   
   But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are
   the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the
   work of thy hand.  Isaiah 64:8
   
   
4. Use Environmentally Safe Products.
   There are so many chemicals and products on the market that just aren't good for us as humans and aren't safe for our environment.
   
   There are things in this world that aren't safe for us as Christians as well. What's amazing is that we choose to use some of those products. Some of the things we take right off the shelf and use are things like those aerosol cans full of lust, envy, hatred, or even gossip to name just a few. All of those things are made with that harmful sin ingredient and it can affect us even if we don't realize at the time how it is hurting our bodies and slowing us down where our relationship with Christ is concerned. It affects our thinking, our health, and even those around us.
   
   For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:
   but if ye through the spirit do mortify the
   deeds of the body, ye shall live.  Romans 8:13
   
   I beseech you therefore, brethren,by the mercies of God,
   that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
   acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  Romans 12:1
   
   
5. Spread The Word.
   To get people using less energy and conserving we see all kinds of ad campaigns. The word has got to get out in order for people to start changing their ways where our planet is concerned.
   
   It's the same way with us as Christians. We've got to spread God's Word in order to save the world. There are people out there dying without Christ. We've got to tell others about how Christ has touched our lives so that they will see their need of Christ. We can't just choose whether we want to join the campaign or not like we do with going green and saving our environment. Spreading the word about Christ is a must as a Christian. It is our Great Commission.
   
   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
   in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
   Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
   have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always,
   even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19,20
   
   Conclusion:
   Although I don't agree with every environmentalist cause out there, I do think we need to be wise in how we treat the planet that God has left us with. There are practical things we can do to conserve and treat the earth in kind ways.
   
   There are things we can do as Christians in order to save a lost world that is dying without Christ too. We've just got to jump on the bandwagon and see the need to reach people for the great cause of Christ. This is a cause that we can really get excited and enthusiastic about.
   
   So, are you going green?
   
   
   Copyright ©2008 Julia Bettencourt
   Scripture References are from the King James Version.
   www.juliabettencourt.com
   
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