And the LORD took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. —Genesis 2:15 KJV 

Hybrids and Smart cars save energy, and that’s in keeping with God’s commands to be good stewards of the earth. We were called by God to be stewards of the earth and, by extension, everything in and on the earth. Both hybrids and Smart cars use less fuel, result in less emissions and may save money in fuel costs.

We are a nation of consumers, always looking for the newest and best of everything. We want a car that will take us everywhere we want to go in style, save money and be ultra-safe. Does such a vehicle exist?

Life is a series of trade-offs. What are you giving up with hybrids and Smart cars? For one, you’re giving up the ability to transport a family in some of these vehicles. Only two can ride in a Smart car. If you’re transporting more than two people, a Smart car is not for you.

With a hybrid, you don’t give up as much space as in a Smart car; however, you will still use gas to power the vehicle at times. Standard hybrids are comparable to their gas-powered cousins in price, while plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles cost a bit more and you need to plug them in to charge which will increase your energy bill.

Electric vehicles go a limited number of miles between charges. If you charge your electric vehicle at home and only drive short distances, or locate charging stations along your route, you will save money at the pump, making the electric vehicle an intriguing option to environmentally conscience folk.

Spend more money up front and save the earth by not burning gasoline or spend less money up front, but potentially cause more pollution, soiling the land and the air we all breathe. What would Jesus do?

And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. —Jeremiah 2:7 KJV

In the end, families and individuals have to decide what’s most suitable based on their own unique circumstances. If you will only have one or two people in your vehicle the majority of the time, a Smart car might be worth looking into.

The gas mileage isn’t a lot better than some compact gas-burning cars. EPA ratings for Smart cars average 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway. The size of the car makes finding parking in space-starved cities a bit easier.

If you only drive short trips around town and have time between your trips to plug your car in to recharge, you might want to consider a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. The fuel money you save will add up in 10 years or more so plan to keep your hybrid or electric vehicle for a while to maximize your fuel-savings.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought of the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. —Matthew 6:33-34 KJV