To build an ark

The Christian Science Monitor

Elephants slaughtered for their ivory tusks until threatened with extinction. Exotic birds smuggled for trade, many perishing en route. Sea mammals entangled in abandoned fishing nets and drowned. How can we stop this sad—and ecologically unsound—destruction of earth's creatures?

However magnificent, beautiful, or powerful a species is, environmentalists warn, these qualities cannot ensure its survival in the face of human destructiveness. Yet we also see many evidences of mankind's concern for animals. Many individuals support environmental organizations, aid animals in need, take an interest in the welfare of all creatures from condors to whales.

These efforts are laudable, certainly, but sometimes seem to be having limited impact on an urgent situation. We can, however, increase the effectiveness of our efforts by basing our actions on a fuller understanding of God, Spirit, as the source of creation. "The earth is the Lord's," says the Psalmist, "and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods."^{Ps. 24:1, 2.} The variety and richness we see on earth hint at the fullness of God's enduring creation. God, divine Spirit, upholds all His creatures. His creation is totally spiritual. Prayer enables us to witness His sustaining power more consistently in our lives, and this includes bringing to light practical means of helping to preserve life.