DEUT608 God asks the Jewish people to "walk after the ways of God" [this verse]. What is the imperative of this verse--how can a human being possibly walk as God does, especially since God is a non--physical being? The Talmud answers that we are to imitate God's ways as demonstrated in how He relates to man. Just as God clothed the naked Adam [Genesis 3:21], so too must we give clothes to those in need. Just as God visited the sick Abraham [Genesis 18:1], so too should we visit the sick. Similarly, as God comforted the mourner [Genesis 25:11], and buried the dead [Deuteronomy 34:6], so should we. The Midrash (Midrash, Sifri, Eikev 13) echoes a similar idea, exhorting the Jew to imitate God by giving gifts, being righteous, being pious and holy. This is codified by Maimonides (Hilchot De'ot 1:6). Another way in which we can honor God is by honoring those things that God created, that is, man, animal, and the entire earth. Any artist is certainly honored when his creation is treated and spoken about with respect; we honor the Almighty by treating His creations, everything on earth, with great respect (See the chapter "Human Dignity" for an amplification of this concept).