“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.’” – Genesis 1:26
Bible Verses About Dominion Over The Earth
Understanding Our Calling
As believers, we hold a unique position in creation. God made us in His image and entrusted us with the responsibility of stewardship over the earth. This calling reminds us that dominion is not about power but about caring for what God has created. Our role is to ensure balance and harmony in the natural world, serving as guardians of His marvelous creation. With this role comes accountability to respect and nurture the earth. We are called to engage with our environment in a manner that honors God and His intentions, embracing our identity as caretakers of the planet.
Genesis 1:26
“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.’” – Genesis 1:26
Psalm 8:6
“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.” – Psalm 8:6
Genesis 1:28
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” – Genesis 1:28
Romans 8:19
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” – Romans 8:19
Matthew 28:18
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” – Matthew 28:18
Recognizing God’s Design
When we look at the world around us, we see the intricate design that God set into motion. As holders of dominion, it is our responsibility to recognize that everything we see, from the largest mountains to the tiniest insects, has significance. Each creation plays a part in this divine design. Embracing our dominion means understanding the integral role we have in not only managing but also cherishing the natural order. By viewing creation through this lens, we can cultivate a deep respect for the earth and all its inhabitants, fulfilling God’s purpose in a meaningful way.
Colossians 1:16
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
Psalm 104:24
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24
Genesis 2:15
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15
Isaiah 45:18
“For this is what the Lord says—he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited.” – Isaiah 45:18
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10
Our Role as Stewards
Stewardship involves actively managing and caring for creation as entrusted by God. It requires us to be intentional in our choices, ensuring we protect the environment and the resources we are given. We must strive to reflect God’s love and care in how we interact with the earth. By understanding our responsibilities as stewards, we can make a significant impact in our communities and beyond. This sense of stewardship enables us to promote sustainability and encourages future generations to honor and preserve what God has meticulously created.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10
Deuteronomy 11:12
“It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” – Deuteronomy 11:12
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1
Genesis 1:29
“Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” – Genesis 1:29
Living in Harmony with Creation
To exercise our dominion, we must focus on living in harmony with the world around us. This means respecting nature and understanding our place within it. We are not separate from creation but a part of it. In our daily lives, we can cultivate an attitude of gratitude towards all living things. When we tread lightly on the earth, seeking to coexist, we fulfill God’s command to care for every creature. By living in harmony with creation, we contribute to a more peaceful world, reflecting the beauty of God’s design.
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humanity.” – Job 12:7-10
Isaiah 11:6
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” – Isaiah 11:6
Psalm 148:7-10
“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths. Lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding; you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds.” – Psalm 148:7-10
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Psalms 104:25-26
“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.” – Psalms 104:25-26
Embracing Creation Care
Creation care is essential for us as we fulfill our dominion over the earth. This involves activism for the environment, sustainable living, and advocating for policy changes that protect God’s creation. Engaging in creation care reflects our submission to God’s call and demonstrates our love for His handiwork. By advocating for the planet’s well-being, we honor the Creator and lead by example in our communities. Encouraging others to join our efforts enhances our testimony as stewards, drawing us closer to God’s purpose for us in caring for the earth.
Proverbs 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” – Proverbs 22:2
Mica 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
James 4:17
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” – James 4:17
Luke 12:48
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48
Genesis 2:19-20
“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.” – Genesis 2:19-20
Restoring What Was Broken
In a fallen world, the command to have dominion and care for creation becomes even more pressing. The concept of restoration is crucial in our journey as caretakers of the earth. This involves recognizing the damage we have done and committing to bringing healing and restoration through sustainable practices. We need to advocate for environmental stewardship while also being diligent in our personal actions. In every step we take, we can work towards mending the relationship between humanity and the creation God entrusted us with, reaffirming our commitment to be good stewards.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Revelation 21:5
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” – Revelation 21:5
Isaiah 61:4
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” – Isaiah 61:4
Matthew 5:13-14
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:13-14
Psalms 85:11
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Psalms 85:11
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the dominion we have over the earth, we realize that our responsibilities extend beyond mere authority. It is a call to stewardship, respect, and care. We are invited to walk alongside God in His wonderful creation, ensuring that we nurture rather than exploit. By recognizing the beauty and purpose of every living thing, we can take steps to protect and cherish our environment. Our commitment to being good stewards is an expression of our faith and dedication to God’s intentions.
Let us always remember that the earth is not just a resource but a gift from God that deserves our love and respect. Together, we can make choices that support sustainability and advocate for the restoration of what has been damaged. In all things, let us be mindful of our identities as caretakers of God’s incredible creation, striving to live in harmony with it.
For more inspiration, we can explore topics such as the creation in Genesis or examine the harmonious relationships in Isaiah. These teachings will further enrich our understanding of God’s purpose for us and the earth.