Faith and the Environment
Good Deeds for the Planet
April 7, 2025
As a practicing Christian, I am constantly reminded that throughout Scripture we are taught time and time again that faith and good works are inseparable. The book of James goes so far as to say that “faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). On Good Deeds Day, let’s reflect on why God calls on us to actively live out our faith through actively doing good.
Jesus Himself provides the answer in the Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
When we do good works, we are not just helping others—we are reflecting the love of Christ as we are called to do as His image bearers. Our actions become a testimony, a living example of the grace and kindness that God has shown to us. Every generosity, every kindness, and each act of service points back to Him, allowing the world to witness the transformative power of faith in action.
Beyond that, the good we do for others is something that hopefully people will never forget. A single act of kindness can leave a lasting impact on someone’s heart. And one of the most powerful ways to show active love for people is to care for the world they rely on. When we protect and preserve God’s creation, planet Earth, we are not only honoring Him but also safeguarding the health and well-being of our own loved ones, our neighbors, future generations, and those most vulnerable to environmental harm.
Whether by cleaning up our communities, through a program such as The Great Global Clean Up, planting trees through The Canopy Project, or advocating for the protection of God’s earth through Earth Action Day Roundtables, every good deed—big or small—has eternal significance that resonates beyond just doing good for ourselves. Here’s how – using renewable energy reduces pollution for everyone, improving air quality and preventing illnesses like asthma. Cutting back on plastic waste has the potential to reduce toxic pollution and prevent harmful exposure to plastic chemicals, which leach into the soil and water as they break down into microplastics. It is also better for wildlife if we don’t have rivers and oceans full of plastic trash! Planting trees helps counteract rising temperatures by providing urban tree cover, which cools cities, reduces heat-related illnesses, and improves air quality by filtering pollutants. Trees also importantly act as carbon dioxide sinks helping to combat climate change.
I believe that Earth is a gift entrusted to us (Genesis 2:15), and every effort —big or small — makes a real difference.
I have personally felt closest to God when I am out in nature, actively working to restore and protect His creation. One of the most meaningful Earth Actions I have participated in was the Spokane River Cleanup while working for the Land Council. As I stood near the riverbanks, watching our volunteers return with their collection of trash and debris and slowly watching the impact of collective action, I felt deeply connected to God’s presence. It was in those special moments—serving alongside others, seeing the river restored, and knowing we were making a tangible difference—that I experienced the joy of living out my faith in a powerful way.
This Earth Month embrace Earth Action Day and actively seeks to do good. Let’s not just believe in doing good; let’s live it out through our actions.
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