Yesterday was “Earth Day” where people did different things to do their part to help preserve the Earth. I believe in caring for this planet that we’ve been given but I’ve never been a person to march a picket line or get petitions signed for it. I buy energy saving appliances and recycle my garbage. I would love to see more wind turbines and solar panels up and running. I don’t turn my heat on high, I wash in cold water, I always turn my lights out and I never have the A/C blasting in the summer. I think I’m a conscious Earthling… God did say to take care of it!

It seems that at this time of the year I get more “junk” mail, flyer’s, phone calls and knocks on my door for this cause and that cause. Some of them I’ve heard of and have supported in the past and some are just plain strange. I do believe in being active and supportive in your community and taking part in keeping this Earth clean. I believe in missions and bringing wells to dry lands. I believe we are to look out for one another. I also believe that there’s an order that God set in place. Who and what we take care of first is found in His Word.

I believe the very first place to get active in and support (with your time, talent and treasure) is your local church. God says in His Word that when you take care of His house… He’ll take care of yours. Advancing His Kingdom comes first!! I truly believe this and have experienced it in my childhood and as an adult. I have many of my own personal stories where we had no money (and never ever flaunted it or played the pity me game) and cheques would just show up. My parents always paid their tithe and gave their offerings, no matter what. One comment my Dad made when we had close to nothing (and that’s not an exaggeration), “We can’t afford NOT to tithe”. He wasn’t tithing out of fear or manipulation but because they understood and knew their Heavenly Father. They took Him at His Word and trusted Him – together as a team! They understand seed time and harvest. Let me tell you… they’ve reaped a harvest and continue to do so!

There is a Scripture verse that talks about an order of things… to be His witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to all the ends of the Earth (Acts 1:8). Our local church, family and local community is our Jerusalem. Judea is beyond our boundaries, our nation and Samaria is into foreign territory and beyond. God has set many patterns in His Word for us to follow – from how to raise our children to how to do church – and everything He does is for a reason and a purpose ~ who are we to question it?

Am I saying that we ignore the plight overseas, the heinous crimes going on in other countries, the hunger or the child poverty? No! Not at all. But if we’re not ministering to (that’s more than just preaching ~ it’s looking after, caring for, tending to, nursing to health) our Jerusalem first – if we’re not taking care of our local church, our family and our community first… than I do not believe that what we give and do for the rest will be as “successful” as it could be.

When I support something outside of my nation, I am a strong believer in supporting a local church in that other nation. It’s the local church that has its finger on the pulse of its community. The local church knows where my finances, time or talent could be put to its greatest use. The local church is the one left standing after many of the large organizations have left.

Bottom line… with all the social problems, wars and environmental issues going on right now… doing His business always comes first! What are you most passionate about? Where are you spending most of your time, your talent and your treasure?