Recognize that Being is indestructible; you can never be destroyed. In so doing, you will lose all inclinations to put your head in the sand.
Be still, and know that I am God.
—Psalm 46:10
Celebrate the unprecedented opportunity for global cooperation and moral transformation that the climate crisis represents. Dare to imagine a world that actually rises to the challenge. What would that take?
Embrace the challenge with zest, vigor, and hope. Dare to imagine a world full of people who care for each other, people who are willing to joyfully sacrifice short-term self-interest for the sake of the whole, people who look beyond their differences to embrace what they share in common.
Does that seem impossible? Wonderful! Imagine then how amazing it will be if we actually pull it off! What would this mean? It would mean nothing less than that a widespread awakening has occurred. A newfound appreciation for life, a collective repentance, a mass revival. Hearts changed, communities transformed. A planetary healing of biblical proportions.
Has there ever been a riper time for application of the religious imagination? Has our land ever needed such healing as it does now?
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
—2 Chronicles 7:14
The ball is in our court. It’s the biggest game we’ve ever played. We’re the clear underdog, dismissed as having no hope… Imagine if we actually won!!
Addendum for doubters:
“But what role should I play?”
If you’re already working for change, then commit to strengthening your imagination and renewing your hope. Remember what it’s like to play. There’s no reason this project can’t be the most fun you’ve ever had in your life.
If you’ve been ignoring or dismissing the threat to any degree (who of us hasn’t?), start with repentance. Open your mind and learn about climate change. Don’t take my word for it. Let go of all your past tendencies toward abdication of responsibility, and quit assuming that you already know what’s what.
I believe that our actions will become clear, as soon as our hearts—not only our heads—are in the game. Who or what do you love most in your life? Connect with that love. Ask and pray that your heart might be broken for your fellow human beings. Allow yourself to be moved by the prospect of global suffering. May we shed tears for the life of our planet. Before we can experience the joyful prospect of hope, we may need to experience the devastation and grief of coming to terms with where we are at. This part isn’t fun, but as anyone who has ever experienced true conviction of sin will tell you, it’s worth it.
Psalm 32 is about repentance. Please read it with climate change in mind. It is particularly rich in meaning when read in that context.
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him.Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!—Psalm 32