"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).  Throughout mankind's dominance over the earth, humans have forgotten who created the earth, who it belongs to, and for what reasons it was created.  In our everyday race to succeed and to simply exist, we often take the earth for granted and overlook the glorious wonder of the Lord's creation.

     Genesis 1:1 through 1:25 gives an account of God's creation of the earth and the universe.  Humanity often overlooks the fact that the earth belongs to God, that He made the earth for His glory, and even creation itself praises God.  Psalms 24:1 states that the earth is the property of God: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein".  Psalms 19:1 states that the Lord created the earth for His glory: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork".  Psalms 148:3-5 states that even God's creation praises Him: "Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him, all ye stars of light.  (4) Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.  (5) Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created".

     In our efforts to advance technology and make the world a better and safer place to live, we have lost sight of the reasons the earth and humans were created.  God gave the earth to mankind to have dominion over it, and to manage it.  Genesis 1:28 states that people were to have dominion over the earth.  Genesis 2:15 states that man was to manage the earth: "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it".

     Due to improper use of our natural resources, lack of planning for future generations, and simple greed, many species are now extinct and humans have greatly altered or destroyed a large portion of the earth.  Many of the natural resources we have lost, such as in the tropical rainforests, may have held cures to a number of human diseases.

     People have also exhibited a type of environmental prejudice towards some forms of wildlife.  Species such as sharks, snakes and bats have been needlessly killed.  Unfortunately, many times when people fear or misunderstand something, they react by destroying it.  The same species that are destroyed are vitally important to the health of many ecosystems and benefit man in a great variety of ways.  Sharks act as the "garbage men" of the seas by removing sick and injured wildlife.  A single snake can consume up to 3,000 rodents in its lifetime, and a single bat can consume up to 3,000 insects in one night!  The benefits such species provide to mankind far outweigh the very small percentage of danger or damage.  God created a balance in nature, humans have offset nature's balance which has resulted in a negative impact on mankind.

     As responsible citizens, and especially as Christians, it is up to everyone to protect, preserve, and pass on the glory of God's earth to future generations.  There are better ways to properly manage the earth's resources, and pass them on to our children than current methods.  God expects us to use the earth for our needs, but we do not need to exploit and destroy it needlessly for excess profit.  Everyone can make a difference, be it great or small.  The next time you throw a candy wrapper or cigarette butt out of your car window, or improperly dispose of trash or waste in any manner, remember who owns the earth.  God did not create the earth to be used as a giant garbage can!  By not thinking about our actions and improperly using the earth, we disrespect God the Creator!  You can make a difference in many ways, such as disposing of trash properly, dodging a turtle crossing a road, or educating others about God's beautiful creation.  It is up to you and me, as individuals, as Christians to set an example for others, and display the standards of care and respect for God's creation!  We have an opportunity to lead the way as Christian stewards of God's earth.  Revelation 11:18 states: "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth!