Introduction: Understanding Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 1:26-28 is foundational in understanding our relationship with creation. This passage not only highlights the order of creation but also our expected stewardship over God’s creation. We will explore three key theological perspectives on creation to help us better understand our God-given role and responsibilities.
1. Understanding Humanity Created in the Image of God (Imago Dei)
The concept of Imago Dei, or being created in the image of God, means that our likeness to God is not physical but rooted in His attributes and character. Reflecting God’s character in our lives includes being responsible stewards of His creation.
The Salvation Army’s second doctrine affirms God as the creator, preserver, and governor of all things. This doctrine reminds us that being made in God’s image places a significant responsibility on us to care for His creation. Our daily actions should reflect God’s character, especially in how we govern, preserve, and interact with the environment.
2. Understanding Defined Human Dominion Over Creation
Humanity’s dominion over creation, as described in Genesis, entails authority, rulership, and governance. However, modern challenges, such as climate change and environmental degradation, highlight our failure to balance dominion with stewardship.
The Biblical understanding of dominion includes responsible management and care for God’s resources. It is not about exploitation but about sustainable and ethical use. Our role as stewards of creation involves ensuring the well-being and sustainability of the environment for future generations.
Jeremiah 2:7 warns against the misuse of God’s creation, reminding us of our accountability in how we treat the environment. We must adopt a mindset of responsible care and stewardship, recognizing the theological and ethical implications of our actions.
3. Understanding Caring for Creation (Genesis 2:15 ESV)
Genesis 2:15 clearly defines humanity’s role: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” This verse underscores our responsibility to nurture and protect the earth through sustainable practices.
Caring for creation involves not only conservation but also the ethical use of technology to design sustainable plans and measure our impact on the ecosystem. Our responsibility extends to making choices that preserve and protect creation, avoiding harm and promoting resilience in the face of climate change.
Conclusion
As we reflect on these perspectives let us remember that our authority over creation comes with the responsibility to care for it. The environmental challenges we face today, such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation, emphasize the need for responsible stewardship.
We must balance our resource use with the preservation of ecological health for future generations. As God’s people, we are called to be good stewards of the earth, recognizing our interconnectedness with all living creation. Let us embrace this call with dedication and commitment, ensuring that our actions reflect the love and care of our Creator.
The Salvation Army’s International Positional Statement on Caring for the Environment can be found at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cache.salvationarmy.org/61b9802b-e89d-4607-a3c6-f4d88d2cf23c_Caring+for+the+Environment+-+July+2021.pdf
Thank you Captain Owen, for a very good reminder of our responsibility to God’s awesome world.