How Are Humans Different from Animals?

Genesis 1:26
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

It is not unusual to hear humans being referred to as animals. Many people are insulted by that. But few people know what separates humans from animals.

At one time people thought humans were separated from the animals by their ability to make and use tools. But we now know that many animals make and use tools. Some people have suggested that our ability to communicate separates us from the animals. But if you spend much time with animals, or are familiar with studies in animal communication, you soon realize that many animals can communicate. Some can even communicate abstract ideas. Nor is the ability to form a culture and pass its knowledge down from generation to generation unique to humans.

As we learn more about the abilities God has given to animals, many people have supposed that these vanishing distinctions between humans and animals mean that humans really are just another member of the animal kingdom.

But there is one thing that sets humans apart from animals, something that science can never discover and or deny. What makes humans distinct from animals is that humans are morally accountable to God. Animals are not responsible for morality. It is for this reason that we are made differently from the animals. Yes, we have a material body as they do, but we also have a spiritual component to our beings like the angels. In this respect we have as much in common with the angels as we do with animals.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, though You made me because You want to love me, through my sin I have pushed You away. For Jesus’ sake, forgive me, cleanse me in His blood, and give me the peace which can only come through an ongoing, healthy relationship with You. Amen.

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