A recent Christian Science Monitor news posting (here) reports that the Obama Administration has for the first time introduced efficiency fuel consumption goals for big trucks. Instead of sparking the usual political fights, this move is supported by the trucking industry and by environmentalists. The new standards will reduce oil consumption in the U.S. to a measurable degree—with the result of less pollution as well.It is worth the thought that these developments have a spiritual side to them. They represent the work of the Holy Spirit, which prompts of our hearts to create a more just, peaceful, and green future. Traditionally, of course, we have seen the Holy Spirit at work when people convert to Christ, when they pray and have mystical experiences, or when they stand boldly for their faith. We don't generally think of something as mundane as fuel emission standards as having anything to do with the work of the Spirit. But, in our consumption mad world it seems spiritually logical to see God at work in something that reduces consumption and promises to at least slow our destruction of the environment. Why, in any event, should we limit our understanding of the Spirit to overtly religious events? If God be God, then we would expect God's Spirit to be at work creating God's future, God's kingdom if you will. It thus makes spiritual good sense to see the Spirit at work in this case.
