Rick Vuyst hosts a local call-in radio gardening show in my hometown. Vuyst, who identifies himself an “entre-manure,” weekly “soils” the airwaves with gardening advice. But don’t let his “cracked pot” puns fool you. If you’re having problems with your lawn or plants, this master gardener can help, often telling listeners who have called in, “Thank you very ‘mulch.’ ”
Vuyst is a bit of a modern-day example of Adam and Eve. In the beginning of the biblical story, God gave the first couple the task of looking after His amazing creation, starting with the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:26-30; 2:15).
Because Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator, we sometimes forget that God’s original mandate for humans is still there for us today. He didn’t scrap the human stewardship program after the first couple rebelled. Biblical stewardship is still in play for us, and it doesn’t just happen in gardens and farmlands. It certainly includes agriculture and taking care of the physical world, but it encompasses all domains of life (Psalm 115:16).
Stewardship can happen when we’re in a boardroom negotiating a business merger that saves hundreds of jobs. It can happen in a classroom, as we teach chemistry with dedication and compassion that helps students grow and succeed. It can happen while we’re sitting at a piano, writing music that moves the soul to worship the Creator of all things (Psalm 115:15).
As theologian Michael Goheen writes, may we be “busy within the creation, developing its hidden potentials in agriculture, art, music, commerce, politics, scholarship, family life, church, leisure, and so on, in ways that honor God.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 10:16-42
More:
Read Genesis 1:26-30 and consider what it means to steward God’s creation.
Next:
How are you using your gifts and talents to bring God to others? How can you be a better steward of what He’s given you on earth?
BearPair on July 15, 2016 at 2:44 am
Excellent, Jeff! It is so easy to forget that all that surrounds us, people, things, land, children, talents, etc. is not ours, but ALL belongs to our Creator God. Its is ours only in the sense that we have the responsibility of stewardship (as Goheen writes), caring for, nurturing to its fullest potential. Thanks for this great devotional Jeff!
meksyke on July 15, 2016 at 4:45 am
Good Job, thank God for you. I am truly blessed by your message. God has really set us out to work the earth from different perspectives , no matter how we see it.
Gary Shultz on July 15, 2016 at 6:06 am
Hi Jeff, Mr. Vuyst’s show sounds like fun listening. I have a personal belief that everyone should have to grow up on a farm. I know we need other flavors in our culture; however, so many have no clue about the original craft we humans were given to do. (I don’t do it now)….In response to that and a lesson the other day I can’t forget that we are part of that gift of life and of creation itself. We have been given the stewardship of the earth for Heaven. The only creatures that are responsible for running the earth from a heavenly perspective, the only creature that God will also hold accountable. The only earthly creature that has an opportunity to live with the Father. All of this being said, a true believer should reflect God’s care here where we have been “planted”. Thanks Jeff
crossman61 on July 15, 2016 at 3:45 pm
Gary I like your name I am Gary also . So you must be Gary one , because I am Gary too !! If I were to ever meet Mr. Vuyst’s I believe I would like his sense of humor also. Its good to laugh it can bring healing to the soul .
alexaoj on July 15, 2016 at 10:39 am
Psalms 24:1 “The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein”. This verse helps me to remember that God is the one who is in control. Nothing or no one escape His all seeing eye. Just pray daily for wisdom and an understanding heart in dealing with each other and His creation. Thank you Lord for looking beyond my faults and seeing my needs inspite of my sins and short comings. Praise you Jesus my Messiah and soon coming King.
hsnpoor on July 15, 2016 at 11:55 am
Alex or Alexa, not sure which, you are one seriously inspired prayer warrior! I’ve been following your prayers all over this site and they have spoken well to me and touched my heart and sometimes my soul. Thank you so much for sharing your gift! I have truly been blessed. GBU!
hsnpoor on July 15, 2016 at 12:23 pm
P.S. Any progress on resolving your neuropathy issue?
godlove on July 15, 2016 at 3:22 pm
What an honour from our Almighty Father, to put us in charge of all of His creation. Huge honour, but also huge responsibility which we must take seriously, for as Christ Jesus said, “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Luke 12:48). May God help us, through the power of His Spirit, to be good stewards of everything He entrusts upon us. Thank you for this reminder, Jeff. Blessed weekend to all.
crossman61 on July 15, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Thank you Jeff for the Devotional , I enjoyed all of the comments also . We have been given a great Honor as godlove said .