The modern environmental movement began in the 1970’s following the great fire on the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. Prior the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency, most water ways were treated like dumps, hoping water would move trash downstream. While individuals can’t control what others do, you can begin efforts to improve your own environment in 2022.
As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving, Colossians 2:6-7.
According to the apostle Paul, spiritual growth is maximized when you plant yourself in the right environment. The ideal situation is to develop a strong root system that is firmed planted in Christ. Perhaps Paul is referencing John 15:1-7 where Jesus is a living vine and human beings are the connecting branches. As long as Christians stay close to the Lord, a healthy environment is guaranteed.
Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity], Psalm 1:1-3.
The Psalmist uses similar imagery in the passage above. Yet, the Psalmist refers to environment in the context of the friends that you make in life. Who you walk with will dictate your circle of friends. When you begin to hang around individuals with questionable character, they will influence how you act and behave. If you want to improve your environment in 2022, plant yourself in the Word of God.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 