Being Good Stewards of the Earth and God’s Creation
In the book of Genesis, God granted humankind “dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth,” (Gen 1:26-28). Pope Francis reminds us that “living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience” (The encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’).
Here are several suggestions on how Parents can teach their children to be loving stewards of God’s creation:
Lead by example
Children learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Show them through your own actions that you value and care for the environment. Practice habits such as recycling, conserving energy and water, and being mindful of waste. Involve them in activities like gardening or cleaning up litter, so they can see firsthand the importance of taking care of the earth.
Teach them about God’s creation
Help children develop a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Take them on nature walks, visit parks or gardens, and explore different ecosystems. Point out the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation and explain how everything is interconnected.
Instill a sense of responsibility
Teach children that they have a role to play in caring for the earth. Explain that being good stewards means using resources wisely, not being wasteful, and being mindful of the impact of their actions on the environment and others. Encourage them to participate in activities like recycling, conserving water, and reducing plastic use.
Share stories and teachings
Use stories, parables, and passages from Scripture that highlight the importance of stewardship and caring for creation. For example, the story of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9) emphasizes the responsibility to care for all living creatures. Discuss these stories and their lessons with children, helping them understand the values and principles behind stewardship.
Engage in environmental education
Teach children about environmental issues and the importance of sustainability. Discuss topics like climate change, pollution, and endangered species in an age-appropriate manner. Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, so they can understand the complexities of these issues and think of ways to make a positive impact.
Encourage involvement and action
Empower children to take action and make a difference. Support their ideas and initiatives to protect the environment, whether it’s starting a recycling program at school, organizing a clean-up event, or advocating for environmental policies. Help them see that even small actions can have a positive impact.
Conclusion
By incorporating these approaches, we can help children develop a deep sense of respect, responsibility, and love for God’s creation, becoming good stewards of the earth.