Have you ever really thought about how vastly different we are from any member of the animal kingdom? The gap is enormous, and you need to take it seriously because it demonstrates clearly that we’re not just animals.

Yes, there are similarities; we have bodies like they do, and some day — like them –our bodies will die and decay. Animals also feel pain (just as we do), and apparently some can even experience emotions in limited ways. But we aren’t just a higher form of animal! We are unique, and the reason is because God has put something of Himself within us — what we usually call our soul or spirit. The Bible says, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).

Only we can think about who we are and why we are here. Only we can ask what the purpose of our lives should be, and how we ought to live. Most of all, only we can come to have a personal relationship with God, and know that we will be with Him through all eternity. The Bible says, “You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:7).

If we think we’re only animals, we’ll end up acting like animals — and we’ll also begin treating others like animals. I pray you won’t go down this path, but that you will discover the joy of knowing God by giving your life to Jesus Christ.