The Gift of the Natural World
by John Michalak and Joyverse
Genesis 1:26
God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
I found a spider in the house recently. Considering my options, I realized I could: 1) leave him be; 2) crush him under my foot; or, 3) put him outside.
I put him outside.
Many of us approach God’s creation — with its oceans, trees, birds, and livestock — using one of these options. Some do nothing. The natural world never crosses their mind. Some like to crush nature: using it only for their consumption and survival. Still others choose to care for nature, occasionally at the expense of God or human beings.
What does it mean to represent God’s image as stewards of nature? Perhaps it’s a balance of all three. At times, we need to leave nature well enough alone. At times, it’s justified to harvest nature for our consumption. And sometimes, God wants us to go out of our way to let the spider live.
A UN report in 2019 estimated that because of humanity’s action (or inaction), over 1 million species are at imminent risk of extinction. How we treat the creation speaks volumes about our relationship with the Creator.
This is our Father’s world! We must always respect the responsibility and privilege of stewarding the gift of the natural world around us.
Reflection
How does my relationship with God’s gift of creation reflect on my relationship with God?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for the beauty of nature. Please give me wisdom to know how best to care for Your creation. Help me treat the gift in such a way that I honor the Giver. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
