Worshiping the Creature - Romans 1:25

" . . .who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever." Romans 1:25
For many, animal and plant life seem to supercede human life. The notion that an animal or a tree deserves more life respect than a human is not merely erroneous; it is satanic by its very nature. The concept routinely leads to ‘earth worship’, ‘wicca,’ ‘gaia’ and a host of other ridiculous earth religions often culminating in what is perhaps the most egregious lack of respect for humanity - abortion. Of course the progressives don’t see abortion as murder; they simply see it as a means to prevent over-population, thus taking better care of the planet. The idea that preserving a certain rare butterfly or orchid is somehow more noble than preserving a human life is simply, in no uncertain terms, the work of the devil.
Early on, in scripture, we are instructed by God, Himself to - "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on earth." - Genesis 1:28
The above reference speaks to us of our direct order to subdue (conquer) and have dominion (rule) over all of God’s earthly creation. But Genesis 1:26 explains to us why
we must subdue and dominate God’s creation - "Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to Our likeness; let then have dominion . . .over all the earth . . . .’ In other words, we - humanity, not the animals or the plants - were created in God’s image and likeness. Not only are we to maintain dominion over God’s creation, we are to use it according to God’s word - "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs." - Genesis 9:3 When people say they "love" their pets I tend to think that the term "love" is a bit extreme. Love is an emotion reserved for God and . . . humans! We love our spouses, our children, our parents, our friends. We may ‘care deeply’ for our pets, the environment, or an endangered species . . . but we cannot ‘love’ beyond God and our human brothers and sisters. In fact, in the New Testament, ‘love of God and one another’ is second only to Christ’s saving act of redemption, and that atonement is superceded by God’s love for us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
Yes, we want to take good care of and properly provide for our pets, and all animals in general, but never at the expense of a single human life! The only exception being granted is to service animals such as police and military K-9 units, as these animals are used to protect and prevent the loss of human life.
Many feel mankind has abused its power in subjugating the planet. In many instances we have, as a species, failed in our God-given responsibility to be good stewards. But we must never fail to draw the distinction between mankind and God’s creations. Neither plant nor animal proves worth more than a human being and no amount of post-modernist thinking must ever obscure that fact! Proper scriptural understanding always keeps this distinction in its proper perspective.
May God always shower you with His blessings.