INTRODUCTION

What does it mean to be human? Is there anything different about us that sets us apart from the rest of the world, or are we just another species among all the others? What is the defining element that makes us human? The answer to these questions depends on who you listen to!

 

AVATAR

The modern day 'religion' of environmentalism, shamelessly promoted to the upcoming generation in movies like "Avatar," and many others, would have us believe that humans are no different from any other species, and we must take our own chances in evolutionary development.

 

This message maintains that in order to preserve the environment, the same respect must be given to all species as we give to our own! The contradiction here is obvious. Evolution is all about competition within and between species. There is no 'noble' sentiment of equality in nature!

 

GOD WILL GET YOU!

However, God is the biggest environmentalist of them all! Revelations 11:18 says that He will "destroy those who destroy the earth!" Yet the human heart, redeemed or not, always strives to see peace and harmony in our world. But if you know God, you also know that can only come through Him. If you don't know Him, as it says in Romans 1:25, you will "worship the creation more than the Creator!" And although the scripture in Isaiah 11:6 talks about an idyllic future where the lamb will lie down with the lion, we're not quite there yet!

 

BEING HUMAN

But what really is the defining element that makes us human? Well, for a start, humans are the only creatures that bury their dead, thus responding to an innate desire to honor the now empty shell that once contained something more than just a physical presence.

 

When you were conceived in your mother's womb, a miracle happened! Your father and mother both made a contribution of the flesh, but God deposited your spirit! That mixture resulted in a totally unique soul which, from that point on, is eternal and begins a journey that progresses through life and does not end with death any more than a caterpillar perishes within a chrysalis!

 

Humans can either reject or embrace the tugging that draws every person upward to the Father, but it cannot be ignored! The defining element that makes us human more than any other is, we are the only species in existence that worships!

 

THE COW TEMPLE?

Did you ever see a cow bowing down to worship! How about monkeys building a temple? Although all creation gives glory to God, only humans worship! This is the ultimate reason why He made us and it is our highest calling. If we allow this greatest of all drives within us to be focused on anything else but Him, we are in idolatry!

 

Nothing distinguishes us more than our innate ability to worship and that in itself validates His existence!