From the small things up to the big issues, Reverend Richard Cizik stands environmentally aware and was the ideal guest to visit Lee University during Focus the Nation.

Cizik, Vice President for Governmental Affairs of the National Association of Evangelicals, promotes a mission he calls “Creation Cares.”

“Climate change is real and human induced. To harm this world is an offense against God,” Cizik said.

He heralds a strong belief that Christians are stewards of the earth and are ordered by God to maintain His creation. For this reason, it isn’t surprising to find Cizik often being labeled a hippie.

“I am not a tree hugger, although I love trees too, I am a people hugger,” Cizik said.

He also clarified that the call to love your neighbor is the same call to care for the environment. Global climate change will affect third world countries the most drastically and therefore it is our responsibility as Americans to come to the aid of our neighbors in these countries.

As far as what college students can take away from this, Cizik let students know what he did to help out.

Cizik sold his large gas guzzling vehicle to purchase a hybrid Toyota Prius and upgraded to energy saving heating, air conditioning, and appliances in his house.

These options may be far from the reach of a poor college student but some other changes are far more feasible.

“Buy produce from local farmers, recycle when possible, and purchase organic products from the grocery store.

“You make gradual decisions, that is what being a disciple of Jesus Christ is really all about, one little thing at a time.” Cizik said.