The Creator, Not the Creation

Apparently we are expected to celebrate "Mother Earth" and set aside today as Earth Day, but I just can't jump on that bandwagon. Don't get me wrong; I am ever so thankful for the planet that I live on and very much enjoy the beauty it has to offer. I am mindful of the waste and the devastating effects of pollution, toxic chemicals seeping into our dirt and water supply, and "global warming". My issue is not with the efforts that many are making to encourage us to reduce, reuse, and recycle. My daughter and I do our part to recycle our plastic and aluminum containers on a regular basis. I do think that recycling is having a profound impact upon the environment. What I do have a problem with is the worshipful attitude toward the creation, but not with its Creator. The words "Mother Earth" will never be uttered from my lips. To me, this term of affection and respect equals that of referring to God as "my Heavenly Father." I have wondered all day how different life would be if all the well-meaning environmentalists would shift their allegience to the God who created and sustains the creation that they hold in such reverence. The Bible warns us of worshipping idols in 1 Samuel 12:21..."Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless." Can the Earth save us? Can it rescue us when we have fallen or hit rock bottom? Can "Mother Earth" bring comfort to our souls when the death of a dear one devastates us beyond words? Can a lifetime commitment to going "green" offer us eternal salvation when this Earth-bound life is over? The clear answer is no, right? But the Creator God can do all that and more. Shouldn't He be the One who is worthy of our efforts and praise? Rather than saving the planet, Christians should be more concerned with sharing the Good News of Christ so those who are without a hope for eternity can be saved. I do think that God wants us to treat His creation with respect, but the creation should not be our focus. So, I propose a new day, a day that gives honor to the One who made it all...Creator Day! Now that's a cause worth my attention...simply speaking.