The world we inhabit today is very different from how it looked even a decade ago. The increasing pollution and environmental degradation are taking a severe toll. Climate change has been causing adverse weather events, such as wildfires and floods.
Our children are exposed to environmental factors every day, from toxic chemicals in their food to increased health risks.
As a Christian, it can be unsettling to see our beautiful world facing such a tumultuous time. The Bible features multiple references to cataclysmic events brought on (at least partly) by human actions, such as the great flood in Noah’s time, which was a punishment for increasing corruption and sin.
Recent pictures of wildfires in California and reports of people developing cancer due to toxin exposure suggest that another calamity could be snowballing.
What does it imply for our children? As parents, turning to God’s practical wisdom can offer much-needed respite. It can empower us to protect our children from environmental fury and help them live fulfilling lives.
Practice a Stewardship Approach Toward Earth
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”
(Psalm 24:1).
The Bible may not highlight climate change, but it is unambiguous about one thing: We must be stewards who protect the Earth with love and care.
As a Christian family, consider teaching your children about the huge responsibility God has entrusted to us. Consequently, we must protect the environment by making conscientious choices. (Many children love taking on responsibilities. It lets them feel all grown-up!)
For example, consider a regular product, such as waterproof jackets. Recent news reports indicate that they can sometimes contain harmful chemicals called PFAS, which linger in the soil and water for years. Even aqueous firefighting foam has these chemicals. The ongoing AFFF lawsuit reveals just how many firefighters have fallen prey to cancer as a result.
We, as followers of God’s teachings, have a responsibility to protect the planet and everyone who lives here. TorHoerman Law reports that communities living near airports and military bases may have excessive exposure to toxins. Coming together as one to protect the vulnerable people in these areas—infants, in particular—is our onus as Christians.
When we become stewards of Earth, we naturally strive to protect all its components, from forests to soil and oceans. Children adopt the habits of their household and behave more mindfully, thus helping to safeguard the world, which will be their future.
Teach Children to Consider God’s Will While Making Decisions
“Anyone who listens to my teachings and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against the house, it won’t collapse because it is built on a bedrock.”
Matthew 7:24-25
In day-to-day life, we sometimes don’t make decisions conscientiously. We may be in a rush to leave the house in the morning and eat sugary cereal instead of whole-grain options. We may admire a specific brand and choose products without checking the ingredients.
Decisions like these do not reflect deliberate thought and concern for our environment—both of which go against God’s practical wisdom.
As the New Testament proverb above says, following God’s will can save us from difficulties, including inclement weather. Mothers and fathers are responsible for helping children make well-considered decisions that reflect God’s will.
For example, reducing the home’s energy consumption by switching off the Wi-Fi router at night can improve your carbon footprint. It can be a small step toward preventing global temperatures from escalating and enhancing the lives of those in less developed countries.
Ascertaining God’s will can sometimes be confusing. TableTalk magazine recommends seeking counsel from other Christians who know you well. They will be able to guide you in practical ways. It could be holding a weekly family meeting to celebrate Earth-positive achievements, such as walking (instead of driving) to school. Initiatives like these combine an unflinching trust in God’s love with concrete human action.
New, unsought opportunities can also indicate the Lord’s work, prompting you to consider them in your decisions. In this context, staying open to ideas like using more renewable energy sources or driving electric cars can indicate a willingness to seek what is unsought.
Make Time for Communicating With Children About Their Fears
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9
The changing world is affecting children in more ways than we can see. Besides health problems, many young people feel plagued with doubt, uncertainty, and mental distress. These issues may impact even children we consider resilient and robust.
A 2025 study published in Children and Youth Services Review found that climate change anxiety in adolescents has made them more susceptible to depression and insomnia. Many youngsters suffer psychological stress due to the growing risks to individual and community health, some more so than others.
As Christian parents devoted to God’s wisdom, we can take heart in the solace and compassion He provides. We can ensure these comforts reach our children’s young souls by communicating with them without fail.
Parents can ask children if they would like to share anything at all, without the fear of judgment or chastisement. They could be worried after witnessing distressing coverage of natural disasters. Families can spend meaningful time reading heartwarming scriptures that rekindle hope in difficult times. For instance, consider this:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
No matter how grim the world around us may appear, it is vital to believe that God is looking over us. Children have impressionable minds and look to their parents for guidance, especially when they feel anxious. Reminding them of God’s grace can offer them emotional support at such times.
Ultimately, we cannot shield children from all the evils and vices in the world; their destinies are not in our control. As humankind continues to degrade the environment with pollutants, the incidence of natural disasters may increase. Christian living, which encompasses mindful thought and action toward fellow living beings, can empower us and keep us strong.
One can also hope that the state of the natural world will improve over time, thanks to a growing consciousness of the impact of ill actions. Finding hope and rest in God can be incredibly reassuring.
