On 15th November 2024, many in the US will observe America Recycles Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about recycling and encouraging responsible use of resources. While this day may seem unrelated to faith at first glance, it beautifully connects with biblical themes of stewardship, renewal, and restoration. As Christians, we are called to care for God’s creation and be wise stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us.
Our Call to Stewardship
In Genesis, God gives Adam and Eve dominion over the Earth, commanding them to care for it. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” From the beginning, we’ve had a responsibility not to exploit the world, but to care for it—to manage its resources wisely and preserve its beauty for future generations.
Recycling, in many ways, is a modern extension of this ancient call to stewardship. It’s about recognising that everything we have comes from God and choosing not to waste it. It reminds us that we are part of a much bigger picture, that the small actions we take can have a significant impact on our world.
Renewal: The Core of Our Faith
At its heart, recycling is about renewal—taking something that seems useless or discarded and giving it new life. This idea of renewal is central to our faith. The Bible is filled with stories of restoration and renewal, from the promise of redemption through Jesus to the transformation of our lives as we grow in our walk with Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Just as recycling transforms waste into something new, God transforms us, taking our brokenness, our mistakes, and our weaknesses, and renewing us into something beautiful. Every time we recycle something physically, it can serve as a small reminder of the much greater renewal we experience in Christ.
A Reflection on Waste
When we think about recycling and reducing waste, it’s also worth reflecting on how we can reduce the waste in our spiritual lives. Are there old habits, thoughts, or attitudes that need to be discarded? Ephesians 4:22-24 challenges us to “put off your old self… and to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
This process of spiritual recycling—of renewing our minds and hearts—requires intentionality. Just as we sort through physical rubbish, choosing what can be recycled, we need to sift through our hearts, choosing to discard what holds us back from living fully for God and embracing the new life He offers.
Reflection Question with Action Step
- Reflection Question: What “spiritual waste” do you need to let go of today to allow God’s renewal to work in your life?
- Action Step: Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and actions this week. Identify one habit or attitude that you feel God is asking you to discard. Make a conscious effort to pray about it and ask for His renewal. Additionally, consider committing to a practical action by recycling more consistently in your household as a way of living out the principle of stewardship.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your endless mercy and for the renewal You offer us daily. Help us to be good stewards of the resources You’ve given us and guide us as we strive to care for the world around us. Teach us to discard the things in our hearts that hold us back from You, and renew our spirits so that we may better reflect Your love. Thank You for transforming us into new creations in Christ. Amen.
