“And God blessed [the first humans]. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” (Genesis 1:28)
In the first book of the Bible, we read how the world began. God created a beautiful earth filled with plants, flowers, and animals. Then He created the first humans. They were fundamentally different from all other creatures: they were made in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26-27). God entrusted them with the stewardship of His creation. That is a great responsibility!
The first humans had children, and through many generations, the entire world population descended from them. This was God’s intention; He explicitly commanded them to be fruitful and multiply. All these people together still have stewardship of the earth. They enjoy a considerable degree of autonomy and responsibility. Unlike plants or animals, humans have the ability to significantly influence their environment and determine how they want to shape their lives.
Psalm 8 is a song about this theme. The poet is impressed by the greatness of God and wonders why He gives humans so much honor and power. “You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:6).
In what areas do you feel autonomous, free to determine your own path? How do you seek to shape your life?