Take a moment to look around and just contemplate the world we live in. Consider the beauty of life, the animals, the forests and the oceans. God created the heavens and the earth. Think back to the description in Genesis about the Garden of Eden and the rest of the world. God declared that “it was good” (see Genesis 1). God’s creation was good and beautiful. And, someone needed to care for the world God had just created. Enter: Adam and Eve. Some would call them co-creators with God. Others would call them stewards. 

What does it mean to be a co-creator?

If you throw “co-creator” into Google, you’ll see a few different definitions. From a business perspective, it means to be a partner. Other definitions define the word from a religious perspective by offering this description: “Humans are created by God to be co-creators in the creation that God has purposefully brought into being.” 

Are we called to be co-creators?

There’s some controversy surrounding the term “co-creators,” with many fearing that it places humans on the same level as God. Biblically, God calls us to care for the world around us in Genesis 1:28 (NIV): “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” And in Genesis 2:5, we find that God had not yet made the Garden of Eden beautiful — that was a job He designated for Adam and Eve. 

So, does that make us co-creators? Some argue that we are made for more than just maintaining this earth, putting us squarely in the “co-creators” category. But Genesis 2:15 (NIV) says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Many theologians, pastors and Christians would argue that what God has called us to is actually more in line with the term “stewardship.” The definition of stewardship is “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something.” God didn’t need our help to create the world. He does ask us to take care of it, though, making us caretakers, more than co-creators. Similar to how we would care for a garden. We didn’t create the plants, but our gentle care helps them blossom. 

We were created to help the earth grow in beauty, but our sinful rebellion did just the opposite. Now, there’s hatred, hurt and a world of ugliness. Isaiah 24:4-6 (ESV) describes just how broken our world is now: “The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and withers; the highest people of the earth languish. The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are scorched, and few men are left.”

Regardless of the terminology that is used, it is clear that God has called us to care for the world around us, to make it beautiful and better. We’re made to work the land, to create a better, safer space and to make our resources last as long as possible. 

Care for the earth

How can we care for the earth? Start by asking God to reveal to you His specific plan for how you should help keep the earth beautiful. Look for ways to reduce waste and increase the beauty of the world. Are you meant to advocate for animals? Or maybe you’re meant to start a garden or clean up a beach. It’s time for us all to pitch in and make the earth beautiful again.

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.