Humans are not Animals

We all grew up learning in biology that the world’s living things consisted of plants and animals. We humans were among the animals. We were different from the other animals, but we were also the same. It may be true that humans are part of the animal kingdom, and that we share some of the same life-cycle traits as the other animals. Similar is about as close as it gets.

WHAT!? Take a breath…..I am not suggesting to throw away everything we learned growing up. I just want us to throw away the portion that suggests we are ‘just another animal’ on the earth. Human beings are special. Unlike every other animal on the earth, our existence is not limited to our life on earth. That makes all the difference.

Brethren, not all flesh is alike, but there is one kind for men, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are celestial bodies and there are terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

1^st Corinthians 15.39-45

When God created the universe, He spoke, and life came forth. When He created humans, He added something to His creation. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2.7) Human beings have the breath of life. No other living thing has the breath of life.

The breath of life comes directly from God, and our relationship with Him is more than just as our creator. He is our father; we are His children. We share in His image; we strive to share His likeness. The only way our society will dig itself out of the mud is to stop thinking we are ‘just another animal’ on the earth.

When we raise children to think they are ‘just another animal’ they lose their conscience. Animals are driving by instinct. Humans learn with overcome instinct with their heart. Here is a very basic example. It is instinctive to avoid other animals that appear different. The instinct is developed to save life. An unknown creature is likely a foe rather than a friend. That same instinct in humans is called racism if not overcome.

When humans allow instinct to govern our decisions, there is no love, no compassion, no logic even. Instinct requires only physical stamina to avoid being killed. Being human requires much more. Instead of teaching each generation we are ‘just another animal’ teach them we are human beings with the breath of life. Humans don’t allow instinct to rule. Humans use their hearts.

Spend just a few minutes watching the daily news and you will find a growing list of examples of humans acting as if they are ‘just another animal.’ We shouldn’t be surprised. Animals will do what animals do. Rather than be animals, let’s be humans.

I write this admitting I don’t know exactly how we can change the path that our society has taken. I only know that God can inspire us to change our personal path through repentance and love. If we begin to live as if WE have the breath of life, as was the case in the past centuries, others will see our light and give glory to God. It is a start.