by Michael E. Brooks

"For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God" (Rom. 8:19).

A group of us were traveling in a rhododendron forest high in the mountains of Nepal when one of the men offered the comment, "There are no wild animals in these forests." I asked in some surprise, "Not even any monkeys?" "Well, yes, there are a few monkeys," came the answer, followed by the ironic observation, "Nobody eats monkeys."

The somber fact is all life on this planet is here to some degree at the sufferance of humanity. We have the capacity to denude the earth of almost all other inhabitants. The greatest threats to any animal or plant are the loss of habitat resulting from human population explosion and exploitation or eradication due to its value or lack thereof to humans.

Where do Christians stand on this issue? Does the Bible address our responsibility to the creation? The answer is a resounding "yes."

First, man was given responsibility for creation from the very beginning. God put man in the Garden of Eden "to tend and keep it" (Gen. 2:15). Authority over creation was granted to humans after the flood (Gen. 9:1-3). Biblically, man has the right to use created things, including other animals, for his legitimate needs and purposes.

But there is more than that principle involved. Man's role on earth is that of steward of God's possessions. His authority over creation does not include the right to waste or destroy.

Romans 8:19-22 is a complex passage, with much dispute over its meaning and application. But it certainly includes the teaching that the creation's destiny and fate is bound up with that of mankind. "The creation…will be delivered ... into the liberty of the children of God" (v. 21). The creation is benefited by "the revealing of the sons of God" (v. 19). Christianity blesses God's entire creation. The world is better off because men follow God.

How do we apply that to today's environmental issues? At least, by recognizing that all of creation is God's work, and that he has given man charge to use it productively in accord with his eternal purpose. Being a child of God means being of benefit to the world as a whole. It is a shame when only those things which man won't eat are allowed to remain on our planet.

May we return to tending and keeping this beautiful world which God has made.