A Christian Ethic

WED., MAR. 23, 1983, 6:45 PM
SPRINGFIELD, MED. SCHOOL

Lo, I come to you even in this unlikely place and at this unusual time. You purposed to use this time for a Teaching, and I do approve of this. Know that I am willing to teach at any place, at any time. The early morning is still best for this, but I do like these novel occasions too.

Yes, I did indicate a Christian ethic, for to label any single statement of an ethic (however Biblical or true it may be) as the Christian ethic seems to downgrade or eliminate other statements that also could be defended as Christian. This Christian ethic, then, does not encompass all of relationship to Me, but it is important, nevertheless. It is one I want you to know and to value and to teach to others. Many Christians will heed and value it also, some will not. It is not, in itself, the sole means of identification of Christians.

This ethic is based on the Psalmist’s affirmation that “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.” The ethic is to live in harmony with the earth, its plants, and all of its diverse creatures, respecting all forms of life as manifestations of My creative powers and realizing the duty of stewardship which you humans, the highest form of life, have. The human is a great creation. Accept that. Then hear that he who would be great among you must be as the least of these. If you can accept your greatness, then you must be able to lower yourself to serve some lowly creatures and to respect and not harm those even lower.

This means, of course, that you must care for the animals you have, providing them with food and a pleasant environment. It means that you should plant seeds with prayers, and that you should remove weeds with humbleness, feeding these to the animals whenever possible. You must care for your trees with more conscientiousness. And you must use your time to keep your entire Farm as neat as possible. You are a steward to whom much has been given. You must care for this over which you have charge, and you need to make it bring forth produce and beauty.

This does not mean that you cannot take the life of worms to catch fish, nor that you cannot take the life of fish for food… for you, for your cat, or for your chickens. But as you do this be aware and feel the stewardship responsibility. Respect even the worms and fish, and know that their lives are part of the total cycle of life.

You know that Peter’s Park is a special focus for this ethic. Keep it natural but beautiful. Somehow do the bench. It may be much easier than you envision. Plant some flowers this summer. The deterioration of the cross is unfortunate, but you shall find a way to restore it to its rugged appearance. You are the special steward for this place.

You are a Christian because you know and respond to Me, the Teaching Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is all you need to do to be a Christian. Yet because you are such, you desire to do that which is pleasing… that which is right… in My eyes. I, the Christ, love this earth, and while I see the ugliness and the destruction I look at it as I look at confessing Christians – forgiven, beautiful, fresh and new. So I call some of you to this ethic… to love the earth as I do and care for it, giving up what you do not really need in order that it might maintain its life and function.