“God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth”
-The Message: Genesis 1:26-28, expanded reading: Genesis 1:26-31
In The Message, Eugene Peterson says that we are made in God’s image, and we are to be “responsible” for all living things in our world. That is a different perspective on the text. The usual Bible translation states that we have “dominion” over all creation. Martin Luther believed that God was present in all of creation and that caring for creation in all its variety was a form of stewardship, a way of caring for each other. In today’s world, we are constantly tested in real, practical ways. How will we care for the land and water? How will we treat animals? How will we use the multitude of resources that we have been given? What will future generations inherit when we are gone? Some of us may feel that the problems of creation care are too big for us to handle. We hear people saying, “I can’t make a difference because I’m only one person.” Really?
We need to put our beliefs into action. Can you plant some pollinators, drive a smaller car, recycle, buy from a local farmer’s market, think before buying more cheap plastic stuff, support local conservation efforts, or go outside for a walk and soak in God’s beautiful and amazing world? Of course you can make a difference! Small actions multiplied by many will make a difference. Caring for creation doesn’t need to be controversial. Caring should be a thoughtful response to God’s grace and a sign of our responsibility to each other. What can you do today to help care for God’s creation?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for entrusting your creation to our care. Help us to be good stewards of what you have made. Help us to love and care for our neighbors and this earth. Amen.
Written by Sally Jacobsen