President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of a plan to fast-track federal permits for energy and construction projects worth over $1 billion has certainly turned some heads—and ruffled some feathers. On the surface, it sounds like a slam dunk: cut through red tape, create jobs, and spur investment. As someone who believes in the power of economic freedom and reducing government overreach, there’s a lot here that sounds like common sense. But as Christians, we are called to weigh the balance of prosperity with stewardship. So, let’s take a closer look at what this means.

The Good: A Shot in the Arm for the Economy

Trump’s approach resonates with a time-tested conservative principle: economic growth is best achieved when government gets out of the way. Fast-tracking federal permits for major projects could mean more jobs for Americans, a stronger economy, and increased energy independence—things we desperately need. After all, if a company is ready to invest a billion dollars in the U.S., why should it take years of bureaucratic red tape to get started?

For developers and construction workers, this could be a dream come true. Imagine the ripple effects of new energy plants, highways, or factories springing up around the country. And let’s be real: no one ever drove past a construction site and thought, “Wow, I wish there were fewer people working.” This move sends a signal that America is open for business, and it’s about time.

The Risk: Stewardship Matters

However, cutting through red tape shouldn’t mean ignoring the rule book altogether. Environmentalists argue that Trump’s plan risks undermining crucial safeguards, and while I’m not usually in the business of agreeing with environmental activists, they do have a point here.

The Bible calls us to be stewards of God’s creation (Genesis 2:15), and that responsibility doesn’t stop when profits are on the line. Expedited permitting might tempt companies to take shortcuts that could harm the environment. And let’s not kid ourselves—there are bad actors out there who will exploit loopholes if they think no one is looking. Sure, economic growth is great, but what’s the point if our air, water, and land are sacrificed in the process?

The Balancing Act: Responsible Freedom

The answer, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle. Streamlining processes and removing unnecessary barriers is smart policy, but there must be safeguards to ensure projects meet reasonable standards for safety and environmental protection. If Trump’s administration can strike that balance, this plan could be a win-win. But if they rush into a “build now, ask questions later” mentality, we might be setting ourselves up for problems down the road.

It’s also worth considering the long-term moral implications. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” In other words, prosperity built on shaky foundations—whether it’s cutting corners environmentally or ethically—won’t last. As Christians, we should champion policies that create lasting benefits, not just quick wins.

Conclusion: Build with Wisdom

Trump’s $1 billion initiative has the potential to bring real benefits to Americans, but only if it’s done responsibly. Let’s not forget that God has entrusted us with both the opportunity to build and the responsibility to care for His creation. We should hold our leaders accountable to ensure that in our pursuit of growth, we don’t trample on what truly matters.

After all, a billion dollars might sound like a lot, but you can’t put a price tag on integrity—or on God’s green Earth.