“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
Pets were not really a major issue in Solomons time. Animals were for work and food. They were necessary to stay alive. In his day even the cattle shared in the Sabbath rest. I’m not sure this is as significant as some theologians make it since they couldn’t do much while their owners were forbidden from working anyway. Either way the fact is that God’s people have a compassion toward all of God’s creatures and concern for His total creation. However, there is a clear distinction between God’s followers priorities toward His creation and many others today who elevate the value of the lives of animals and the condition of the planet to that of humans. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans that we worship the creator not the created. However, that does not mean we ignore the care of His creation. As those created in God’s image with an eternal soul mankind is valued at a much higher level than animals. Jesus did not give His life on the cross for anything other than the human race. That being said, one of the responsibilities that comes with being made in God’s image is to care for all of His creation. It is for our enjoyment. We won’t enjoy it very long if we misuse or are cruel with it. The wicked mistake good for what is often, in reality, cruel. They do not know how to be truly kind. Today care for God’s creation as an act of gratefulness to Him.#BeTheEdge
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalms 104:24 NIV
