The term “earthling” is usually directed specifically toward human beings. We are literally FROM the EARTH. The scientific term for humans = homo sapiens. Homo = Humans = Being Of The Earth. We are inseparable from the Earth. Not only are we FROM the EARTH, we are also FOR the EARTH.
FROM the EARTH
We are earthlings among earthlings (fellow creatures). Are humans unique? Of course, we are created in the image of God. Thankfully, we are created along with many kinds of creatures, including microbes, plants, insects, and animals. We are part of the whole of creation, not separate. We are made to experience a daily interaction with the earth as created.
FOR the EARTH
Due to the symbiotic relationships found throughout creation, two plus two does not equal 4, it usually equals 5 or more! We have a God of abundance, do not buy into the propaganda that we live in a world of scarcity, that is a marketing tactic. Go out and start something. Start something to serve your neighbor. All commandments are summed up in Love Your Neighbor.
Do not be afraid to do the Work. Adam was placed into the Garden prior to the fall, to “work and keep it”. Working and keeping the Earth was “Very Good” before the fall and it is still good after the fall. Some of the worst examples of degraded landscapes is when all human MANagement is removed. Many creatures require the management humans provide. Of course, there are many examples where humans have screwed up the earth, we are sinners. We live on an earth with a created order. When we manage within the natural order, the created patterns, align with nature, the abundance comes through. When we work with nature, our work will be sustainable. If we act against nature, try to subdue nature, push against natural order, it will be unsustainable. Technology can be used in accordance with nature or against nature. Often, technology is used to fool us into thinking something is sustainable when in reality, at some point, nature will show us it is unsustainable.
Life is Holy
Life is Holy, not just holistic. It is true, we are part of a whole with all creatures here on earth. But “to treat life as less than a miracle is to give up on it” – Wendell Berry. Now go out and start something to serve your neighbor. You will be better for it.