I read recently about an expanding tropical belt between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn that “would affect ecosystems, agriculture and water resources.”

To be quite honest, it is difficult for me to jump on any bandwagons about anything, so my first question is one that wreaks of denial: “How are we to know whether this is global change for the worse or part of the cyclical norms of this orb on which we dwell?”

Logic tells me that it must be true, at least in part, since any such climatic cycles from the past would not have included variables of industrial pollutants in our air and seas, wide-scale deforestation and petroleum fuel-burning.

I find that I am caught in a place where I am either one of Earth’s greatest enemies because I am perhaps viewed as one who denies the facts; or I am less than a Christian (tree-hugger!!) because I recognize the need to recycle, reduce, conserve — in other words, do my part to be a good steward of the microcosm that surrounds me — and instruct and demonstrate for my children how to be responsible stewards of our natural resources.

Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, long before recycling became mainstream, my older sister always bought greeting cards and stationery made from recycled paper. I didn’t quite understand what the big deal was. She also flipped out when my younger sister and I flung candy wrappers or empty drink cups out the car window when we were done with them. We seriously didn’t understand why it was a problem.

It seems ridiculous to me now that I ever thought littering was acceptable! Now I don’t even spit out my gum unless there’s a trash can nearby. Besides the fact that it’s inconsiderate, I now think stuff like, “What if a bird swoops down, eats it and dies from an obstruction?” Neurotic thinking? No way! I think of it as not letting my conveniences cause harm.

I was so thrilled when our daughter was chosen to be on the “Green Team” at her middle school. They go to different water sources around town and check for pollutant levels and general health of the water. Her friends at church call her a “tree-hugger.” I tell her to take it as a compliment regardless of how they intend it; she is investing in the future by doing her part now.

Our children know there is a difference between worshiping the creation and caring responsibly for it. One can be a follower of Christ and yet be concerned for the earthly home our future generations will inherit.

With respect to belief in Jesus Christ and His eventual return, I wonder how many generations have been certain that Jesus would come back in their lifetime and have thus excused or tolerated the abuse mankind has perpetrated on this earth. The prevailing thought is that the earth is going to be destroyed anyway, so there’s no point in worrying about protecting it.

This Christian couldn’t disagree more.

If we are bringing children into this world, does that not presume that we expect the world will continue beyond our generation? And if so, what right have we to rob our children, our grandchildren and the generations that follow of the beauty we ourselves enjoy?

I don’t want to stop learning, and I’m going to keep teaching my children to be responsible. That they break down the empty cereal boxes and put them in the recycling bin shows me I’m already getting a return on my investment.

Whether global warming is fact or fiction is really quite irrelevant. If we are blind to how our habits affect the condition of this planet, we are the problem.

© Alexa Lopez 2008