Choices

I have begun to do a series of sermons based on the lectionary reading from Genesis. Last Sunday began the series as I took the opening poem of creation Gen 1:1-2:4. I discussed that the entire poem showed that inter-relationship of God with creation and our responsibility toward being stewards of what God has created. I talked about what our choices might be if we took seriously the idea that we are stewards of creation and are to support not exploit it. I brought about the number of people complaining about the current gasoline prices. In the 1970's, we experienced our first gas shortage that raised concerns about our dependence on non-renewable resources. From the 1970's to today 30 years later, no one has done anything about it. We often would like to blame presidents, congresses, oil companies, OPEC, and others for the problem without taking any responsibility for our own choices. The auto makers have lobbied hard to prevent congress from enacting rules that would require changes in gas mileage stating that it would be too costly. They continue to try to stall such legislation but they do not do anything to date voluntarily. It is interesting that Ford and GM are now beginning to decrease production of SUV's and pick-ups not out of concern about building more efficient vehicles but as a response to consumer demand.
Europe and Japan have been producing vehicles that are more gas efficient for some time again as a response to $8 a liter gasoline. There are more foreign cars that get 30 mpg than there are domestic. If changes are going to come about and a true effort be made to find renewable resources we cannot depend on government or business to lead the way. Yet, one may doubt whether one person can do anything that would make a change. Margaret Mead once stated, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has (as found in the book The Great Awakening by Jim Wallis pg 65.)." Such was true of the early church and such is true today. I proposed that each week one would choose one day to take a Sabbath from driving except in emergencies. On that day if one had to go somewhere, one would use public transportation if available, walk, or ride a bicycle.
The choice is ours to make. Rather than to complain, let us do something to provide an alternative to the status quo.