As Christians, what is the purpose of our creativity? Adam and Eve were given the charge to tend the Garden. It meant more than they were to be stewards who kept all the plants and animals in good working order. Getting to that point was a given, the very least they were to do. But their great opportunity was more than merely to live sustainably. They were to thrive, and all of creation with them.

We too have the opportunity for more than a sustainable existence. We too can thrive. At least that is the claim of the Gospel. Not only are all things made new in Christ, but Christ is renewing all things. If Christians live unsustainable lifestyles, they are judged irresponsible. Far too many Christians are in fact irresponsible stewards of creation, preferring to flaunt their conservative political credentials instead of tend the earth. Yet it should be recognized that being a poor steward of creation is just a base-level sin against God and neighbor. A greater transgression results from this lack of stewardship, namely, a lack of thriving.

This is one reason for Christians to nurture creativity in earnest, to go beyond our world’s plea for sustainability to Christ’s promise that the world will thrive.