Will Carbon Credits Change the Fate of This Planet?

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10)

Today’s big question: will carbon credits change the fate of this planet?

Many Christians easily forget that mankind’s sin corrupted this world and the very ground was cursed (Genesis 3:17). All of creation groans as a result of sin (Romans 8:22). Droughts, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis bear witness to this truth, but the good news is that the curse is only temporary. 

Many people have resorted to worshipping this cursed creation. They may not bow before wood and stone, but they have become obsessed with carbon credits, climate change, and green alternatives, in futile efforts to save our planet. In some cases regulatory controls over the world’s resources have placed essential needs of many people in real jeopardy. Instead of mankind having dominion over creation and being good stewards of it, people are worshipping creation rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).

Humanity is created in the image of God, and therefore we take priority over every other life form on this planet. Many Christians, influenced by evolutionary thinking that makes no real distinction between humanity and every other organism, have forgotten this truth and bought into the vain attempts to save earth from its inevitable fate. The Bible reveals God’s plans for creation. While we must be good stewards over the earth, we recognize this world is cursed for destruction.

Today’s verse mentions a time when this world will be destroyed with fire. Christians must realize that it is not our lack of carbon management, land care, recycling, or anything else that will cause this world’s destruction. The Lord will destroy this universe and bring about a restored creation in a new heavens and earth. No human being can prolong or shorten the life of this world.

Does this mean we should pillage and devastate the earth with careless glee? Not at all! In fact, we do not honor God by having contempt for His creation, even in its corrupted state. However, it does mean that my future in this world is not in the hands of man, but in God’s. Also, I am to honor the Creator and not the creation. This impacts my decision-making. If my focus is on the things of this world—even the good things—then I am in danger of putting my trust in what is already doomed. If my focus is on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then my future home is in an incorruptible new creation. 

Today’s big idea: the hope for the future is Christ, not carbon.  

What to pray: ask the Lord to convict you in areas where you have may have placed your focus on the world instead of Him.