Why Do I Care: Raymond Randall

Confessions of Closet Environmentalist

Could I really have a concern or passion for our environment, and our earthly resources? Surely not, because that would clearly mean I would have to forsake my chosen political party; abandon my affinity for capitalism; scoff at the cable news channel and AM radio talk show hosts I’ve enjoyed for years; endure the ridicule of my Christian friends who think I’ve gone off the deep end; and maybe even adopt a tree or lease a pontoon boat with which I can circle oil tankers during spring breaks with my family. That all seems so unappealing and unrealistic; yet recently God has been leading me to be a better steward of His creation. Thanks to His nudging, I have begun to realize that I don’t have to do all those things listed above, but I do have a responsibility–or really a mandate–to be obedient to His word, and therefore be a good steward of the all resources with which He has blessed me, my community and this world. I am realizing this is a responsibility I have clearly neglected. And the more I reflect on this, I also believe the church community at large has also been negligent.

My transformation began in late 2005 as I started consulting for a large company regarding their “sustainability” initiatives–their efforts to make wise decisions today that will not prevent future generations from meeting their own needs. I began the project skeptically, assuming that you were either a capitalist or an environmentalist, but never both. But as the project progressed and solutions emerged, I began to realize that it was not only possible to champion both causes, but there could be substantial advantage, both competitively and socially, in mastering both ideals. Hmmmm…my mindset was beginning to shift.

Then I watched The Great Warming at Northland, A Church Distributed, in September 2006. I decided to attend mostly because I have great respect for my pastor, and he has become passionate about this issue. (I clearly wouldn’t have seen Al Gore’s movie for fear of being identified as an imposter for someone who really cared.) He invited the congregation to the viewing and I thought it would be good for me to hear “the other side.” (Of course, I also attended because I hoped there would be a good catfight between the environmentalists and the cynics.) I was right on both fronts. It was both educational and entertaining. But as the divided audience continued to voice their opinions about the merits or fallacies of global warming, I found myself wondering what it really mattered? Why would our commitment and desire to obey His word depend on science, trends, political platforms or celebrity endorsements? Don’t we have a responsibility, regardless of those things, to be obedient?

So now I find myself with a few new perspectives, and I’m enjoying the transformation. I’ve learned that businesses can still thrive when they adopt a new mindset regarding the environment. I’ve learned that there are infinite opportunities for me to be a better steward of a gift and resource I had previously neglected–His creation. I’ve learned that taking care of His creation is another way I can love my neighbors, even those on the other side of the world. I’ve learned that having discussions on this topic can initiate dialogs and relationships with people whom might never have wanted to talk to me, hear about God, or step in a church. Lastly, I’ve been reminded that my obligation to obey His word is not dependent upon any prerequisite. Creation Care is not an option, or something for fanatics—it is a responsibility for all Christians.

Raymond Randall
Winter Park, FL