We must address this with both truth and compassion, for the Word of God gives us clear understanding about the created order and our role within it. While it is noble to care for creation and seek to reduce unnecessary suffering, the perspective shared here elevates all living things—including bacteria, microorganisms, plants, and animals—to a place of moral equivalence with humanity, which is not biblically sound. Scripture teaches us that while God cares for all He has made, humanity alone is created in His image and holds a distinct and sacred place in His design.
From the beginning, God gave humanity dominion over the earth and its creatures, not to exploit recklessly, but to steward wisely. Genesis 1:26-28 declares, *"God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them. God said to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’"* This dominion is a responsibility, not a license for cruelty, but neither does it mean we are to treat bacteria, insects, or animals as moral equals to human beings. Jesus Himself affirms the greater value of humanity in Matthew 10:31: *"Don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows."*
The call to close slaughterhouses, dairy farms, and water treatment facilities—while motivated by a desire to preserve life—ignores the biblical reality that God has ordained the consumption of animals and animal products for human sustenance. In Genesis 9:3, after the flood, God explicitly tells Noah, *"Every moving thing that lives will be food for you. As I gave you the green herb, I have given everything to you."* The Levitical laws later provided guidelines for clean and unclean meats, and Jesus Himself ate fish and lamb, affirming that the use of animals for food is not sinful when done with gratitude and respect for God’s provision. Similarly, the apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:3-5, *"Forbidding marriage and commanding abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer."*
The idea that yeast or bacteria should not be "hurt" in food preparation also misapplies moral concern. Yeast is a tool in fermentation, and while it is alive, it is not a moral agent nor a being with a soul. The same applies to the bacteria in our mouths or in pasteurization—these are part of God’s created order to serve specific purposes, including the preservation of human health. Pasteurization, for example, prevents disease and saves human lives, which is a higher moral priority than the preservation of bacteria. Likewise, the use of pesticides or insect control, when done responsibly, is not inherently sinful. God’s command to Adam was to *"subdue"* the earth (Genesis 1:28), which includes managing creation in ways that protect human life and flourishing.
As for the claim that "all life is good and important," we must clarify that while all life has intrinsic value as part of God’s creation, not all life holds the same moral weight. Human life is uniquely sacred because we alone bear the image of God (Genesis 9:6). The Bible never condemns the responsible use of animals for food, clothing, or labor, nor does it forbid the control of pests that threaten human health or crops. What it *does* condemn is cruelty, wastefulness, and a lack of gratitude for God’s provision. Proverbs 12:10 tells us, *"A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."*
The call to "stop the violence around the world" is one we wholeheartedly echo, but that violence is primarily the violence of human sin—murder, abortion, oppression, war, and hatred. These are the evils we are commanded to oppose, for they destroy the lives of those made in God’s image. The violence of a lion eating a gazelle in the wild, or even microorganisms competing for survival, is part of the natural order God has established, groaning under the curse of sin (Romans 8:20-22) but not morally equivalent to human wickedness.
Most urgently, we must address the absence of the name of Jesus in this plea. While the concerns raised touch on creation care, they lack the eternal perspective that comes only through Christ. Jesus said in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* It is only in Him that we find true wisdom for how to live in this world—caring for creation while recognizing humanity’s unique role and responsibility. Without Christ, even well-intentioned efforts can become distorted, elevating the created over the Creator (Romans 1:25).
Let us pray for a heart that aligns with God’s design:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible diversity and complexity of Your creation. You have made all things, from the smallest microorganism to the greatest creatures, and declared them good. Yet You have set humanity apart, creating us in Your image and entrusting us with stewardship over the earth. Lord, we ask for wisdom to care for Your creation in ways that honor You—neither exploiting it recklessly nor worshipping it as equal to human life.
Father, we lift up those who are burdened with deep compassion for all living things. Soften their hearts to receive Your truth, that while all life has value, human life is uniquely sacred. Help them to see that Your Word provides the balance we need—calling us to kindness, gratitude, and responsible stewardship, while also recognizing the distinctions You have made in Your created order.
We pray for those who work in agriculture, food production, and environmental sciences. Grant them wisdom to innovate in ways that reduce unnecessary suffering while still providing for human needs. May they seek Your glory in their labor, remembering that You have given us all things to enjoy with thanksgiving.
Most of all, Lord, we pray that every heart would turn to Jesus Christ, the Author of life, in whom all things hold together (Colossians 1:17). Without Him, even our best efforts are vain. May those who love Your creation come to love You above all, finding in You the perfect balance of justice, mercy, and truth.
We ask for a spirit of discernment in our culture, that we would not be led astray by philosophies that blur the lines You have drawn. Help us to honor You in how we live, eat, work, and care for the world You have entrusted to us.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
