God's Five-Star Review: A Look at the Genesis 1:31
To celebrate the good and steward the worth of all created things.
As we read and study Scripture, we're reminded of just how wonderful God's creation truly is! We’ve already explored Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:15, learning about our special role as God’s image-bearers and caretakers. Now, let’s take a moment to see how God Himself views His amazing creation.
God declares
The climax of the creation story in Genesis occurs in verse 1:31 with God’s powerful declaration: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” This statement goes beyond mere divine satisfaction; it affirms a fundamental theological truth—that creation inherently possesses goodness, value, and purpose. The Hebrew phrase “tov meod” (very good) suggests more than just functional adequacy; it denotes outstanding excellence and perfection. This divine approval serves as the first and most trusted judgment of the natural world, preceding any human assessments or scientific studies. It beautifully emphasizes that our earth, its ecosystems, and all living beings are cherished and hold a sacred worth, inherently given by their Creator’s approval.
The idea that everything is 'very good' has profound significance. Unlike some ancient stories from the Near East, which often showed the world as imperfect or created from conflict, the Book of Genesis shows creation as a deliberate and harmonious act of God’s will and character. This goodness is not based on humans or their usefulness — it reflects God’s nature. The text also suggests that God's good judgment came after creating people, implying that everything in the world — including its interconnected systems, natural cycles, and diverse life — deserves God's approval. This important truth challenges the view that the natural world is merely a means to an end or something to be discarded. Instead, it supports the idea that our world is naturally dignified and valuable.
Our Sacred Responsibility
From this biblical foundation, a heartfelt ethical duty for caring for the environment naturally emerges. If God calls creation “very good,” then as humans, created in God’s image, we’re meant to recognize, protect, and celebrate this goodness. Seeing the divine perspective helps us view our relationship with nature not as conquerors or exploiters, but as caretakers entrusted with something precious and valuable. This shifts environmental care from just a practical concern for our survival to a sacred responsibility. Hurting or damaging what God has called “very good” isn’t just unwise for the planet—it's also a spiritual matter. The beautiful creation deserves our respect, protection, and careful stewardship as an act of faithfulness to its Creator.
An Invitation
Today, Genesis 1:31 offers both hope and challenge. Despite the harsh realities of environmental degradation, climate change, and species extinction, the fundamental goodness of creation remains an unwavering truth in God’s assessment. This understanding encourages us to look beyond current ecological crises and recognize the inherent worth and resilience that God has woven into the natural world. It calls us to participate in restoration and renewal rather than merely managing decline. The creation, which God declared 'very good,' is not merely a museum exhibit to be preserved untouched, but a vibrant, living system meant to flourish under our careful stewardship. As we face environmental challenges, we approach them not with despair over a cursed world, but with hope grounded in creation’s divine approval and our calling to help it thrive once again. This biblical foundation provides not only motivation for environmental action but also confidence that such efforts are aligned with God’s original purpose and ongoing desire for His creation.
Enjoy!
Our next post: Genesis 9:8-17 - God’s covenant with Noah encompasses all living creatures, demonstrating His care for a diverse and thriving world.