stewardship

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In Christianity, the belief that God gave humans the responsibility of caring for his creation. Christianity holds that the earth and the natural world belong to God, and that humans are part of that creation. In the Old Testament, Genesis tells how the first humans, Adam and Eve, were given stewardship of the earth (Genesis 1:28 and 2:15). As humans were created in the image of God, they were to share in his rule as his earthly representatives. They were not to waste, exploit, or abuse his creation, but to care for it and use it in the service of God and fellow human beings.

According to traditional Christian belief, the first humans disobeyed God and lost their relationship with him. They were thrown out of the Garden of Eden (Paradise). Before he sinned, Adam had worked in a beautiful and pleasant garden; after his banishment (Genesis 3:23), he had to work hard ground, cursed with thorns and thistles. Christians today often compare this story with misuse of the environment; humans are then unable to enjoy the environment and their surroundings. According to Christians, human beings still have a responsibility to care for the universe and act as God's stewards over creation.

Green stands for Nigeria's forests and agriculture. White represents the River Niger, peace, and unity. Effective date: 1 October 1960. >>