In the Cayman Islands, the mangroves stand firm against the rising tides, shielding us from storms and providing life to countless creatures. It’s amazing how God’s wisdom is woven into His creation. These resilient trees thrive in harsh environments where land meets the salty sea, conditions that would cause most plants to wither. They endure extreme challenges, much like intercessors do while standing in the gap for the vulnerable.

And with all of that, it seems like every time I read the news, there’s a heavy push on the plan to clear these wetlands for development. Recently, a former chairman of the planning authority pushed forward a $7.5 million subdivision, leveraging his influence to get approval after a 20-year wait. The project is positioned as “progress” with the noble cause of affordable housing. The need for affordable housing during such a difficult time for our people may quiet public outcry, but it raises grave concerns for those of us who see how far some will go (and how long they would wait)—to steal, kill, and destroy what is good (these natural habitats in this case). For them, it’s about leaving a mark or making a buck, no matter the environmental consequences.

With each development project, we risk building on shaky foundations, quite literally. It’s clear that we (society) are following the path of the foolish builder (Matthew 7:24-27), and choosing short-term gains over long-term stability.

It brings to mind a challenging tension we face as believers: How do we balance being good stewards of what God has given us whilst knowing that this world, in its current form, is passing away? We are called to care for creation, but also to keep our eyes on eternity.  As the world pushes us toward faster, bigger, more, we need to remember to dig deeper, sinking into the soil of our faith and values. Just like the mangroves, only then can we stand firm.

The question is, what are you rooted in? Are you building your life on sand or on rock?

Self-Reflection Prompts

1. ^{When you see specific environments being cleared for development, how does it make you feel about the future of our island? Does it stir a sense of loss, or do you see it as necessary change?}
2. ^{Are you directly or indirectly benefiting from development in Cayman? If so, how do you reconcile that with the potential environmental or social costs?}
3. ^{Do you feel a sense of urgency when it comes to environmental preservation, or does it feel like a problem for the future?}
4. ^{While the Bible teaches this world is temporary (2 Peter 3:10-13), we are still called to care for it. How does the knowledge that our time here is short influence your sense of responsibility for the earth? Does it motivate you to take better care of what God has entrusted to us, or do you sometimes feel less accountable for the long-term impact of your actions? What guides your actions or inaction?}