The Lord God formed out of the ground every living animal of the field and every bird of the air. 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)
A farmer in Africa introduced us to his elephants—Mary, Boxy, and Shorty. They were characters who snatched their owner’s hat away in a game of keep away.
As I laid oranges on Mary’s huge tongue, Boxy and Shorty groped inside my jacket for more fruit. These were outgoing friends, and it was a pleasure to make their acquaintance.
The Garden of Eden enjoyed harmony between animals and humans. We were commissioned to co-govern God’s wooly, scaly, and feathered creatures. Instead, we brought curses into the world that polarized our relationship with animals. They became our sacrificial offerings, or our idols.
Today, the extremes are still in play. We use animals for sport hunting or worship them as domesticated pets. The balance of Eden is long gone. In my lifetime, one half of the planet’s wild animals were eliminated due to destruction of habitat. I don’t want the blood of those crimes on my hands. I must rediscover my calling to godly animal husbandry.
As a follower of Jesus, I have the opportunity to right a few wrongs. I can boycott unsustainable harvests, speak against animal cruelty, and use care that I don’t spend more on my pets than I do on God’s kingdom. There are many ways I can slow this double-edged war against creation.
In the meantime, to Mary, Boxy, and Shorty I want to say, “I’ve been on the wrong side of your suffering. Now let me love and protect you.”
Prayer: Father, help me care for your creation.