The Bible teaches that caring for creation is an essential part of the mandate given to humanity, who are created in God's image to reflect His stewardship and rule over the earth. Rather than viewing the world as an end in itself, we manage it as a trust under God's sovereignty, acknowledging that all things belong to Him and are sustained by His providence.
In the account of creation, God established humanity in His own image and gave us the charge to 'subdue' and 'have dominion' over the earth. This is not a license for exploitation, but a calling to act as God's representatives. Because the earth belongs to the Lord, our stewardship is a form of service to Him. As stated in Genesis 1:28, 'And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish 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 moveth upon the earth.'
The earth and all its creatures are the result of God's handiwork, and He maintains a minute, constant, and loving care over them. When we cultivate the earth and provide for its needs, we are acting as stewards of His property. John Calvin explains that earthly blessings are assigned to our use under the condition that we regard them as trusts, acknowledging that we must one day give an account to God for our stewardship. As seen in Genesis 1:29, God provided for both human needs and the sustenance of all living creatures, reflecting His fatherly provision.