Forthright Magazine http://forthright.net/ Straight to the Cross Richard Mansel goes to the Bible to answer ... "The Most Important Question." Great for classes, groups, evangelistic studies and individuals. http://richardmansel.com/most-important-question/ COLUMN: LIVING THE FAITH Caring for animals and the planet by Richard Mansel, managing editor http://tinyurl.com/bs3hl9y God placed man in a world full of splendor and stunning beauty. All around us is an endless supply of wildlife to fascinate us. He has blessed us immeasurably on this planet. Nevertheless, through carelessness and destructive pride, the earth is being destroyed and species are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. Yet, Christians often find themselves opposed to organizations devoted to protecting the environment and wildlife from human destruction. Often these groups are steeped in pagan religions, place plant and animal life over that of humans, and utilize aggressive bullying tactics. All of these methods should be opposed by God's people. For whatever reason, many Christians give little thought to God's original plan for maintaining our planet and aid the wanton destruction. "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'" (Genesis 1:26, NKJV). Out of all of these listed above, only man was created in the image of God. Man is to have dominion over the planet and its inhabitants. Yet, dominion does not mean destruction. God wants us to take care of his creation as caretakers because he is watching and maintains the title to the planet (Psalm 24:1). God allows us to live on earth but nowhere do we see in Scripture permission to destroy it. "The whole earth is full of His glory" (Isaiah 6:3). Every inch of this earth screams of his majesty. Nature speaks his name every day (Job 38-40). Man must show respect for the creation and the creatures that walk the earth. "For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10). "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel" (Proverb 12:10). God gave animals to man for our use but we must still respect them as any good steward (Genesis 3:21; Ezekiel 16:10; Mark 1:6; Mark 7:25-30; 2 Samuel 12:3). God gave animals to man for food and clothing. Therefore, do we have the right to carelessly kill them for any reason other than food or a threat to our safety? Will we make a renewed effort to care about God's creation and creatures? Would we want to lose the magnificent beauty of our planet? We only get one earth and once we destroy it, what will happen then? ---- Read this article online, write your reaction, and read others' comments as well. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/bs3hl9y You can help get the word out. Here's how: http://forthright.net/help/