Earth

• God created the earth (Genesis 1: 1)-In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  In this verse we see that God created the earth.  It says the earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness, and that the Spirit of god was hovering over the surface.  So, we know that God created it with a purpose.  Lets read further into scripture to see the importance of this.
• People are the caretakers of the earth (Genesis 1: 28)-God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.  Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals.  Here we see God is speaking to Adam and Eve.  He is telling them what their purpose is in creation, to multiply and fill the earth, and to subdue it.  He gave them authority over the fish, birds, and all animals.  So, we see that man is not only created in God's image, but, given authority and responsibility for the animals, and also the earth.  
• The earth was cursed because of sin (Genesis 3: 17-19)-And to Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit I told you not to eat, I have placed a curse on the ground.  All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.  It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains.  All your life you will sweat to produce food, until your dying day.  Then you will return to the ground from which you came.  For you were made from dust, and to the dust you will return."  In these verses, we see going forward in scripture, that Adam disobeyed God by listening to his wife, in stead of listening to God.  Here we see how important it is for man to obey God.  Before Adam made that mistake, life on earth was to be for eternity.  There was not a curse on earth then.  Everything was blessed on the earth.  Food came easily, and naturally.  After they disobeyed God, they were cursed, and now we must struggle to scratch a living from it.  We can see that difficulty was added to man's life on earth.  Difficulty until his dying day.  Then he would have to face death, and return to the ground from which his body had been formed.  We see that death resulted from the sin of disobedience to God.  A reverent life results in long life, and blessings.
• The earth belongs to God (Psalm 89: 11)-The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours-you created it all.  In this verse we see that the earth belongs to God.  The heavens, and everything that we see belongs to Him.  And He decides what the fate will be of all.
• The earth was created for God's glory (Colossians 1: 16)-Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth.  He made the things we can see and the things we can't see-kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities.  Everything has been created through him, and for him.  This verse confirms that Christ is the Son of God, and heir to God's throne and creation.  He created everything.  Even what is not seen by most people.  Kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities.  He created it all.  This is for His glory.  His Majesty is to be praised forever.
• Jesus sustains the earth (Hebrews 1: 3)-The Son reflects God's own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly.  He sustains the universe by the mighty power of His command.  After he died to cleanse us from the stain of sin, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the Majestic God of heaven.  Jesus is God.  His words created, and sustains the earth and man.  He speaks, and things are, or happen.  His death cleanse us from the stain of sin.  Once Adam and Eve sinned, their souls had been stained.  His death on the cross washed that sin away from all who believe in Him, and accept Him as their LORD and Savior.   He now sits in honor at the right hand of God our Father.  And He continues to intercede for believers and sustains the earth.  And we as believers are now His Children.  We also are heir to His kingdom.  And like Jesus, we have also defeated death, sins, and the curse of the earth.  That is why everything we do is prosperous and blessed.  And to His name we give praise!  His name is glorified!  His name be exalted!  And forever His name is praised!  Amen!

I hope this study helps you the reader, to have a better understanding of man's responsibility to God and the earth.  We should know what our role is in life and how to fulfill it reverently so that not only we are blessed, but, future generations learn the truth about God's creation, and how important it is that we live according to His plan and purpose for us.  May the LORD continue to bless you and yours!  Bless the earth!