Let’s Get Back to the Garden. -Part 2
Genesis 1:26 NIV “Then God said,’Let us make mankind 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 the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve dominion over all other created beings. He meant for mankind to be in charge of all creatures. Today, many animal rights groups, such as PETA, have sprung up. They are making demands that the wellbeing of human lives should be below the lives of creatures.
God would definitely have us show kindness to animals within reason, but we are not to displace humans because of the life of an animal or bird. We are not to deny humans food and provision in order to save fish, frogs, or insects. God gave the Jews a special way to quickly slay animals that were to be used for food or sacrifice so that they would not suffer. Just because we don’t think the spotted owl’s habitat should be more important than land for housing does not mean we are being evil.
There were animals in the Garden of Eden. God brought them to Adam to name them. Adam was told to tend and keep the garden; that would include the animals. We are responsible for how we treat animals. They were given to us to help us in our daily lives. They give us companionship, help us work, protect us and provide food for us.
How we treat animals reveals what is in our hearts. If a person harms animals with cruelty, it is an indicator that the person will also harm people. However, when animal rights groups place the welfare of animals above that of humans, they go against the word of the Lord. Showing kindness is the heart of God. Reversing the order of creation that God put in place is a work of the enemy.
Be kind to and help animals when you are able, recognize their importance in our lives. If you want to donate to a group that helps animals, that is fine. Remember that humans are the ones with dominion. With the direction of the Lord we can live with animals in their proper place.
