In my last column I spoke of how our use (or more properly, our “misuse”) of creation could possibly be a violation of the Seventh Commandment. Specifically, I looked at how our use of animals could amount to such a violation. 

 

One line in that column in particular generated a question from a reader that I found particularly insightful. It prompted me to think that perhaps it would be helpful to offer some more concrete examples as a way to provide greater clarity. 

 

The line in question was this: “If my misuse results in someone else not having access to a part of creation that they would otherwise be able to enjoy, then I have acted unjustly toward them — I have ‘stolen’ something that was meant for their benefit as well.” 

 

This basic idea can really play out in both large scale ways as well as in more common, everyday ways. Larger scale uses of creation, like, for example, commercial fishing operations, which obviously are making use of the bounty of creation, are fine in principle. But if they are carried out in ways which end up greatly depleting a resource, especially one that is being used by others for their livelihoods, then there could be a form of “theft” going on. 

 

While this may not be something that affects a great deal of Americans directly, it is something that can certainly be an issue in some parts of the world. Given an example like this, we can begin to see how someone’s use of creation can end up being unjust toward someone else who might also have a right to that resource — or who even depends on it. 

 

In addition to this more macro example however, there are plenty of ways in which a violation such as this could be carried out on a more micro level. 

 

Personally, I’ve seen this on a few occasions. I was blessed to grow up in a family and an environment, where outdoor pursuits were both enjoyed and encouraged. These pursuits however, have also led to witnessing firsthand how a person’s use of creation can have a negative impact on others who likewise use it. 

 

In keeping with the above example of commercial fishing, the simple example of sport fishing regulations might illustrate this on a more individual level. Such regulations are meant to both protect a natural resource and avoid exploitation by those who choose to use it. 

 

For instance, in fishing, creel limits regulate the number and size of fish that an individual is allowed 

to take on a given body of water. These are meant to help avoid damage to vulnerable fish populations. As with any regulation though, it only works if people abide by it. 

 

Over the years, I’ve sometimes witnessed fisherman who disregard these regulations. I once encountered a group of fisherman who caught and kept many times over the number of fish allowed on a particular lake. Unfortunately, this incident happened during a time of the year when the fish were spawning. Their disregard of a simple and fair fishing regulation not only had an immediate effect, but likely a longer-term effect as well. 

 

While it is but one example, it illustrates a tangible way in which we as Christians are called upon to live the Seventh Commandment in the circumstances of our modern world — especially, as in this case, if we choose to use natural resources. We can see the same kinds of things though in any number of other areas — whether it is a prohibition against littering or the regulation of campfires. Each of them can be seen as an effort to try to establish a certain degree of equity on the part of participants as well as protection against harm or exploitation. 

 

While we may not always be able to eliminate someone else’s inappropriate use, we do have the power to govern our own.