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How does man “rule” over the earth?


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

            Man rules over the earth because he was created in the image of God and is equipped with the traits of planning, building and strategizing.  Man can domesticate, farm and create breeds.  Man determines boundaries and can alter the course of a river. 
A ruler has the capacity to see the bigger picture.  Animals only operate on instinct and self-preservation so they cannot rule over anything but themselves.
            Man’s great power also gives him great responsibility to manage the creation given to him by God.  We should be benevolent rulers, not tyrannical despots.