It has become fashionable to say that human beings are ‘animals’. This stems from acceptance of the absurd theory that we evolved from some ape-like species in the distant past. Such attitudes have led some to advocate for animals being treated similarly to human beings. Yet it goes further than equality. Some proponents of so-called ‘animal rights’ and protecting vulnerable species are the very same people who undermine human rights and the sanctity of life by supporting the killing of unborn babies. Talk about inconsistent!

Don’t get me wrong – animal abuse and cruelty is abhorrent. We have a duty to care for all the creatures God has made. But He has in fact made human beings different from animals. Genesis 1:27 says “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The distinction of being image-bearers of God is not given to any creature other than human beings. We reflect God’s own character/nature in a way that animals do not. We have a spirit, as God Himself is spirit (John 4:24). We can have relationship with both God and fellow human beings. We have intelligence, creativity, and verbal communication, just as God has. And He has given human beings the unique calling of ruling over the earth and its other creatures, cultivating creation lovingly and responsibly.

These truths of God’s Word should be reason for us to treat fellow human beings and indeed human life itself with dignity and respect. Sadly, in our sinfulness we do not always do that – maybe sometimes we behave like animals! But through the Holy Spirit we are called and equipped to do better. And the more we follow the leading of God’s Spirit, the more we will be conformed to the image of the perfect Person, the perfect Man –  the Lord Jesus Christ.

So to call ourselves or a fellow human being an ‘animal’ is to do a great disservice to God and His calling on our lives. May we strive to reflect His glory, now and always.