(This could be a footnote to SAVE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES, but I wanted that article to be succinct.)
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So, what about the times when it is cost effective to waste natural resources?
In the construction industry, in the restaurant industry, in land development, in government right of imminent domain—there seem to be times when it is clearly impractical to avoid waste.
Then some people get up in arms against these goliaths, and work passionately for change against all odds.
I am not likely to make a statement of wisdom to settle these battles, but I have two thoughts for consideration.
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ONE, the current culture we happen to live in in America, is not typical of world history.
Let us not get caught up in thinking this day is the only standard to judge what hills to die on.
Loving money, and making money, runs way too much in this country.
Do not get focused either on making money, or fighting those who make money, if it takes your focus away from more important things of eternal value—sharing Jesus.
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The Bible definitely gives us perspective and the right focus, if we are willing.
“The love of money is the root of all evil.”
“Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
“Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.”
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TWO, does God ever condone waste?
Yes, He ordered, and sometimes orchestrated, mass destruction of wicked people and all their stuff—the Flood, the Egyptians, the Canaanites, Sodom and Gomorrah—maybe too much for us to stomach, but not too much for a just and holy God. He did give us His rationale for all that, if we will read it in His Book.
How about just plain old waste, when there was plenty to spare?
The Israelites had free honey bread every morning for forty years—if they horded it, it spoiled—if they did not collect it, they went hungry—if they obeyed, they thrived. Hmmm.
Jesus provided free food for thousands, more than once, and it didn’t cost anybody a dime (or farthing), so what did He say about the leftovers after everyone was full?
“Gather the remaining crumbs, that nothing will be lost.”
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You take it from there—it’s amazing how many puzzling things are not so puzzling as you spend more time with Jesus in the Bible. And let the rest, rest—it’s okay.
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