People who lived through the great depression of the 1930's era knew how to be thrifty. They did without things they did not need just to survive. "Green" to them meant things growing in the garden that would put food on the table. Children growing up were constantly reminded that 'money does not grow on trees.' But as those children matured and wages expanded into better jobs, people forgot what values their parents and grandparents espoused. They vowed that their children would never want for anything. As money became more plentiful, breadwinners of later years lavished their families with material goods, instead of lasting values and genuine love.

"Green" came to be a materialistic mode of operation. The more funds they had, the more they spent, as if that could buy lasting happiness. "Materialism, liberalism or secularism? The 'isms' are responsible for  social atheism, the creating of an absolute division in public life and religion." (from Liberalism is a Sin 1989, Tan Books & Publishers) Today the pendulum is swinging back the other way and it's stuck on the green of the color wheel as conservation in all areas of the world starts getting back to the basics of not wasting what God has provided for the world's use. It works best when patterned after the scripture which says "all these other things will be given you as well."

"Going green" then could mean you must depend on God, not yourself. Appreciating nature and all things God has made, for he said "and it is good." Success has meant using people and loving material things. We became a throw-away society, even to the extent of throwing away those Christian values of earlier generations. Just look at government to see where values have gotten out of control by greed and corruption. Abraham Lincoln had the right idea. He never lost his connection to the people and he never left God behind as he governed.

Joining the 'Green Revolution' could mean getting back to the basic reason for living, "God created you to know, love and serve Him in this world so you could be happy with Him in the next." (Baltimore Catechism) But on the other hand, if you really are 'green' (not knowledgeable about all things spiritual), maybe its time to start growing in that direction? When true Christianity is lived out day by day, people are automatically good stewards of the land and also of what money they earn. So how green are you? Seriously, check out your spiritual bank account and you will find the answer.