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A Bible study guide for individuals or groups
by Georgia L. Beaverson
When most people think
of leading an earth-friendly lifestyle, they usually focus
on different activities: recycling, planting trees or using
"green" approaches to everyday tasks like painting and
cleaning. God has a plan not only for our activity but for
our rest time as well. How we rest is every bit as important
as how we work.
1. Our role in Creation
People are the "crown" of God's creation. The crown is a
symbol of several things: royalty, power, authority and
government. So, as creation's crown, we do not simply
decorate the world the way a cherry crowns a sundae. God has
given us a serious role to play in his world.
- What implications does being the crown of creation carry?
Read Genesis
1:26-31 and 2:15
- What task does God assign humans here?
- What implications does this role have for the environment?
Look at it in light of God's assigning us a complementary
role in creation care.
2. The role of the Sabbath
In early America, Sunday was set aside as a day dedicated to
God. Early Americans did without warm food and performed
only absolutely necessary tasks on the Sabbath day.
- How has this attitude toward the Sabbath changed over the
years?
Read Genesis 2:2-3
- What precedent does God set here for humans?
- Why do you think God set this precedent?
- Do you and other Christians you know follow God's example? How
would your life change if you did?
3. Our rest and its effect on Creation
Resting is part of a God-directed cycle for creation. It
brings human beings refreshment and rejuvenation.
- For whom does God set this example? Is it only for the sake
of human beings?
Read Exodus 23:10-12
- Who and what else is directly affected by God's directive
for us to rest?
- What does this say about the interdependence of God's
creation as a whole?
- What two things do we allow to happen by obeying God's
directive for periodic rest?
4. How does work fit in?
For many Americans, "eight days a week" isn't enough time to
fit in the amount of work they feel they must perform. This
has greatly affected our emotions and our relationships with
family and friends. Even churches are deeply influenced by
the pressure to remain busy.
- How has the pressure to work and study affected your life?
Read Ecclesiastes 2:18-26
- According to the writer, what is the yield of "work for
work's sake"?
- What is the antidote to this cycle of dissatisfaction and
frustration?
- How does work fit into God's command to rest?
5. The Blessings of Work and Rest
God should be the source of our peace and pleasure, both in
work and rest. Following his plan for creation pleases God.
- What are some fruits that come from a healthy view of work
and rest?
Read Psalm 127:1-2
- What words describe the cycle portrayed here?
- What is a clear signal that you have not been partaking of
God's rest?
- What can you do in your life to bring yourself more in line
with God's rest/work cycle?
6. More Discussion Questions
- What factors in American culture cause us to ignore our
impact on the environment?
- How have these factors influenced your attitude toward work
and rest?
- What steps can you take to counteract cultural pressure and
follow God's mandate to care for the environment and to rest
regularly?
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