04.05.02

Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. - Genesis 1:26-27.

The lack of concern and respect for other people is demonstrated by the actions of a woman in France. A 35-year-old mother of two bought a teargas canister and wanted to see if it really worked. Of course she realized that this could cause her some trouble with the law so she disguised herself in dark glasses and a hat. To test the teargas she sprayed an unsuspecting woman who had just returned to her car from shopping. The woman experimenting with the teargas said that she was somewhat disappointed with the product because her subject for the experiment was able to “thrash about and scare her by shouting.” A court has given the woman a four month suspended sentence.

There appears to be a reckless disregard for other people in our world today. The attitude of many is if they are in our way, run over them. If they can help us, use them. If they cannot help us, trash them. Just because God said for us to have dominion over or rule over the earth does not give us permission to be reckless in our behavior toward others. To rule or to have dominion also carries the idea of organizing and caring for the earth. God told Adam to take care of (Genesis 2:15) the garden He had given to mankind. With this perspective we see that we are to be more of a faithful steward than someone who rules over others.

Instead of trying out our new teargas canister or our new handgun on a fellow human being we should see each person as someone God cares about. Every person on this earth has been made in the image of God. Not only that but each person is someone for whom Jesus suffered and died (John 3:16). As you are driving in traffic realize that those around you are people that God loves. That person who just cut you off is someone God cares about and you should care about as well. When you are in a crowded place, standing in line, or packed in like sardines in the plane in economy class; remember God cares about that person next to you.

Not only does God care about all those other people, He also cares about you so very much. You have significance. You have been created in the image of God. You are someone for whom Jesus, God Himself, has suffered and died in order to save you if you will receive Him as your Savior. In addition, you are God’s representative, His steward here on earth to take care of all that this world contains including the people.

How can you be God’s steward today? Maybe a kind word, or turning the other cheek will make God’s world, your world a better place today. Sharing Jesus with a friend, or a stranger is sharing God’s love and demonstrating faithful stewardship as well.

How would God have you to tend and care for His world today?