Email devotion for 6/12

You have given humans dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet. Psalm 8:6 

“All things are permitted for me,” but not all  things are beneficial. “All things are permitted for me.” But I will not be dominated by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12

We humans have dominion over all that God created! That’s what Psalm 8 reminds us about; we are the rulers. In the first chapter of Genesis we can read all about creation, ending with the creation of humans in Genesis 1:26: “Let us make human beings in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

In Vacation Bible school this week we are looking at outer space – all those stars, constellations, and planets so far away– where we are just beginning to explore. We are much closer to the plants, animals, atmosphere and soil of our planet. God has given us dominion over this world.. We are the rulers. Does that mean we can do whatever we want with God’s Creation? No it certainly does not.

Along with the power of dominion comes responsibility to care for the earth and everything on it. To use resources such as trees for lumber, soil for growing crops, minerals for industry in a sustainable way. Responsibility to not waste resources such as food and water. To make sure that there is enough for all. After all, when God was creating He said that everything was good. That’s how it started out. As Paul says to the Corinthians, although we are permitted to do all things, it may not be beneficial. As people created in God’s image, we need to use our knowledge to do beneficial things in our world to benefit all people.

Generous Creator, you have defined our relationship to the creation as one of responsible stewardship, keeping and tilling the garden as those accountable to you for its care. Forgive us for acting as if we ourselves are the owners, recklessly using and abusing the earth and sky and sea. Call us back to our role as stewards, gently caring for what is entrusted to us only for a time. Amen.

Chris Gabel