Replenishing the Earth

 The first photos of earth sent back by the Apollo crews in the 1970s dramatically impressed us that our tiny blue planet rotating in space is precious and fragile. The thin layer of air that surrounds us not only contains the oxygen essential to life but protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and regulates earth’s temperature.  Three-fourths of the atmosphere lies within 9 miles of the earth’s surface.  Outer space is considered to exist 62 miles up. We are dependent on an amazingly thin film of atmospheric gases to sustain life on our planet.

 Thirty-three years ago, we took our children on one of those vacations-of-a-lifetime to Disneyland in Los Angeles.  We bought a used van for the summer and coaxed it across the desert to the west coast.  When we took the kids to the beach, we were unable to see the surf on the horizon because of the greenish-yellow haze trapped against the coast.

 At some point TV weather forecasters in Dallas added reports on the day’s pollution index to the routine reports on temperature, rain and humidity. For years I commuted to work listening to reporters often declaring orange and red alerts for air quality.

 In 2013, the smog alert in Beijing, China went off the charts.  Visibility dropped as pollution blocked out the sun.  Tops of buildings disappeared in the murky haze that settled over the city. The air smelled of coal dust and car fumes.  Most stayed indoors and ran air purifiers to escape the toxic conditions.  Those who ventured out greeted one another behind masks. 

 It appears we have made progress.  According to Environmental Protection Agency the U.S. has achieved a 37% reduction in air pollution since 2000.   Since 2013 China has achieved a 30%-50% reduction. Most industrialized nations have seen improvements as well. But the challenge remains. 

 Like many in my generation, we are concerned about the earth that we will bequeath to our grandchildren.  When we retired in 2012, we bought a hybrid Prius that achieved up to 50 mpg.  After 100,000 miles we replaced it with a more comfortable hybrid that took us another 100,000 miles.  A month ago, we leased an all-electric Hyundai Ioniq-5.  I told our children we wanted to go out “on the cutting edge.” 

 The Bible clearly predicts that the earth will “wear out like a garment,” (Isaiah 51:6).   Of course, I also know that one day I will wear out. We are all mortal. None of us lives forever. But my own mortality doesn’t mean I should start smoking, drinking, indulging in high fat foods and refusing to exercise.  Instead, I am motivated to discipline my body so that I can experience greater health and longevity.  In the same way, we must learn to discipline ourselves regarding the creation that God has entrusted to our care.  In the very first chapter of the Bible, with His very first words to mankind, God instructs us to “be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.” (Genesis 1:28, KJV).