Exercising Dominion

EXERCISING DOMINION

The concept of "dominion" is a prominent theme in the Bible, particularly in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. In Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." This passage has been interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it speaks to the idea of humanity's responsibility to care for and steward God's creation.

In order to understand what the Bible means by "dominion," it's important to first clarify what it does not mean. Dominion does not mean domination or exploitation. It does not give humanity the right to use and abuse the earth and its resources for our own selfish purposes. Instead, it is a call to exercise responsible and wise stewardship over the earth, to care for it and use its resources in ways that honor God and benefit others.

There are several key principles that can help us understand what it means to exercise dominion in a responsible way:

1. Respect for God's creation: As stewards of God's creation, we are called to respect and care for it, recognizing its intrinsic value and worth. This means treating animals, plants, and other natural resources with dignity and care, and avoiding practices that harm or exploit them unnecessarily.

2. Responsible use of resources: We are also called to use the earth's resources in a responsible way, avoiding waste and extravagance, and using what we need to meet our basic needs without causing harm or depletion. This may involve practices like sustainable farming, recycling, and conservation.

3. Justice and compassion: As we exercise dominion over the earth, we are called to do so with justice and compassion, recognizing the needs of others and working to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. This may involve practices like fair trade, ethical sourcing, and charitable giving.

4. Humility and gratitude: Finally, we are called to exercise dominion with humility and gratitude, recognizing that the earth is not ours to exploit, but a gift from God to be cherished and cared for. This means acknowledging our limitations and dependence on God, and giving thanks for the abundance and beauty of creation.

In conclusion, the concept of dominion in the Bible is a call to exercise responsible and wise stewardship over God's creation. It is a call to respect and care for the earth, to use its resources in a responsible way, and to work for justice and compassion in all our interactions with the natural world. As we embrace this call, we can fulfill our God-given purpose to be stewards of creation and to reflect His image more fully in the world.