Thoughts from the Rectory October 2024

September and October are the months we celebrate Harvest in our churches. It is a time to give thanks for those who work on the land and at sea and those who are part of the supply chain that bring food from the producer to our tables. It is a time to give thanks to God for all we have and the generosity of God’s creation.

It is also a time to be mindful and thankful that we have sufficient to eat and have the free choice of what we eat and where it comes from.

As God’s people, as Christians we are called to live responsibly and lightly on the earth, to do all we can to encourage the flourishing of the whole earth, and to live with sustainability in our minds as we go about our daily lives.

While the Bible does not directly use the term “sustainability,” many passages emphasise principles related to stewardship, care for creation – including livestock, and responsible living.

We are called to steward the earth and its resources in a way that honours God and sustains creation for future generations. Humanity’s first responsibility in the Bible is to care for the earth, emphasizing the duty to nurture and protect creation.

Our Bible reminds us that the earth belongs to God, not humanity. Our use of its resources should be with reverence and respect for the Creator. Many of the psalms celebrate God’s provision for all creatures and the natural balance of ecosystems, illustrating the interdependence of life and the beauty of creation.

The wisdom of allowing the land to rest to promote sustainability by giving the earth time to regenerate reflects the need for balance in our use of natural resources.

And we are called to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Sustainability is not just about the environment; it’s also about social justice. Sustainable living often involves ensuring that the needs of all, particularly the poor and vulnerable, are met without depleting the earth’s resources. Compassion for animals and creation is part of living righteously, which parallels modern views on ethical treatment of animals and responsible environmental practices.

The Bible encourages us to be content with what we have and warns against taking more than we need. Reducing waste and living simply are ways to honour God’s provision.

Sustainable living ensures that resources and a healthy planet are available for those who come after us too.

So this Harvest time please take some time to reflect on your own choices when it comes to sustainable living, and how you might adopt the LOAF principles of:

Local
Organic
Animal friendly
and Fairtrade, particularly in this 30th anniversary year of the Fairtrade organisation.

Even small changes you can make will support the sustainability of the earth we call home and ensure that those who live in it, who we are called to love as our neighbours, also have enough to live.

Every blessing for October

Ruth