Unique human qualities
First of three parts
What is life all about? Having a job and a family — is that it? Although these two, work and family, are great privileges, it may become somewhat boring if there are no new challenges and fun. Complacency with the endless repetition of the sameold may rob life of its zest.
On the other hand, people who have suffered loss of work or love may be extremely grateful and excited just to have them back again.
Others may become bored with work and family and try some add-ons to spice up their lives a little. They may seek social company in clubs or pubs where the chatting is stimulated by alcohol, drugs and gambling. Do these casual contacts, chemical stimulants and shallow socializing give meaning to life?
Others may rather stay home and do the drinking while watching their favourite sports on TV. It does not matter to them if they see double.
Those who are sportier and more active may channel their energy into challenging activities such as walking, running, cycling, climbing, exercising or taking part in sports. It is a healthy choice as long as they stay clear of steroids, bugs and bears.
However, even the most wholesome add-ons to work and family don’t fill the human void and yearning for a deeper meaning of life. Animals don’t need it. They are content to be themselves, behaving according to their nature: bears do what bears do, wolves do what wolves do, and likewise for all creatures. They don’t seek a higher purpose than feeding and mating.
Although humans have bodies that are very similar to other mammals (brain, senses, limbs, lungs, heart, liver, intestines, urinary tract and genitals), the Creator gave them a spirit. God is Spirit (John 4:24); therefore, to be the image of God, humans had to be spiritual (Gen. 1:26, 2:7). It gave them the capacity to communicate with God.
The religious system that God gave through Moses to Israel promoted contact between God and his people. The design and contents of the Tabernacle, as well as the sacrifices and the feasts, were instituted to enhance communion with Yahweh.
The purpose of Christ’s incarnation was to restore the relationship between God and man through the ultimate atoning sacrifice, making forgiveness and reconciliation possible.
St. Augustine said that the spirit of man remains restless until it rests in God. As animals stay true to their nature, so humans must stay true to theirs — not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually, too. When they ignore the spiritual side, they ignore that aspect that distinguishes them from animals.
Spirituality is defined differently by different groups. The Bible’s viewpoint involves a benevolent relationship with Creator and creation, including people.
Jacob Van Zyl of Lethbridge is a retired counsellor and the author of several faith-based books.