When God created various species, they emerged as unique living creatures. This means that a fish would be genetically similar to others of its kind. A lion from the past would exhibit behaviours akin to those of lions today. Similarly, a bird would display characteristics consistent with those at the time of creation. Their vitality symbolises life, with the lifespan differing among the various species. The survival of a living organism often depends on another species. Without this interdependence, it may no longer continue to exist.
Planet Earth is the fundamental source for all living beings, providing water for the fish in the seas. The soil and oxygen nurture the plants that are the basis of food for herbivores, which in turn are prey for carnivores. The cyclical existence of these creatures unfolds in diverse patterns, rendering Earth a spectacle of wonder. The defining trait of these living beings is their transience, in contrast to life itself, which is enduring. Humans, distinguished by their unique appearance in the sequence of species on planet Earth, are not creatures.
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:26-27 NKJV).
In the creation narrative, it is observed that God created other species according to their kinds, and they became living beings reliant on Earth. However, the Scripture highlights that Man, made in God’s image, was not to be merely a living creature. Since God is not a creature, Man, created in God’s likeness, cannot be considered a creature either. As a result, humanity, created in the image of God, is not reliant on other species for survival but is to be regarded as a product of divine craftsmanship. All of humanity’s problems stem from misunderstanding this reality.
Ordinary humans seem unaware of their divine origin, believing they are no different from other species reliant on Earth’s resources. Yet, Scripture indicates that humans, created in God’s image, were not meant to be subservient to other species but were given dominion over them. Despite this, humans are often seen competing for Earth’s resources as any other creature would. Understanding this enigmatic scenario, therefore, becomes more urgent than acquiring any other knowledge. This begins with the recognition that Adam’s formation is distinct from creation.
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7 NKJV).
The formation of Adam, while appearing to be from the soil, is distinct from other acts of creation. His divine origin grants him a unique independence from the earth’s soil, yet his existence still depends on the earth’s bounty for survival. Unlike other species, Adam’s creation marks the advent of humanity among Earth’s creatures. Despite his physical dependencies on nourishment and oxygen, Adam is distinguished as a singular entity with divine potential.
Adam’s uniqueness distinguished him from other species, as he was the only one made aware of the two symbolic trees, necessitating his attention to them. These trees were dichotomous: one bestowed life, and the other, death. Unlike other species, Adam was explicitly commanded not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Additionally, he was the sole creature charged with the duty to cultivate and enhance the environment.
This brief narrative suggests that a human being is not merely a creature but may possess a divine nature. While appearing as a creature akin to other created species, a human is distinct. The error of choosing the wrong fruit subjected him to mortality, bypassing the Tree of Life. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil ensnared him with the consequence of death. However, comprehending the significance of the knowledge of Good and Evil is crucial.
A human being embodies two distinct characteristics: the materialistic, which is physical, and the spiritual, which contrasts with the materialistic. Humanity often overvalues the power of its material existence while undervaluing the power of its spiritual essence. The allure of self-aggrandizement appeals greatly to the materialistic side of humanity, as it tends to negate the spiritual aspect. The materialistic condition attracts the ego, promoting overvaluing oneself.
The concept of Good and Evil introduces confusion, blurring the lines between what is good and what is evil. Adam, created in God’s image, was not considered a creature until the events in the Garden of Eden. Consuming the forbidden fruit transformed Adam’s nature into that of a creature, aligning him more with animals than with God, whose image was initially intended. Consequently, the divine likeness within Adam diminished, and he became more akin to the animal kingdom. From this, one can see His inclination towards behaving like animals.
Humans often prioritize the physical over the spiritual realm. A person is typically more detached from their spiritual state, feeling more aligned with the material world, despite the latent spirituality within. When Governor Pilate attempted to free Jesus, he presented Him alongside Barabbas, a notorious criminal, believing this would lead the Jews to choose Jesus’ freedom. Contrary to his expectations, they insisted on sparing Barabbas instead of Jesus.
Interestingly, the name “Barabbas” translates to “son of the father.” Similarly, Jesus is known as the Son of the Father, who is God. Humans, created in the image of God, have the right to refer to God as their Father. A human being is connected to two distinct origins: a physical father and a Spiritual Father. Humans tend to be more familiar with their physical fathers than with the Spiritual Father. This preference may explain why the Jews chose to release Barabbas over Jesus, symbolizing a rejection of God as their Father.
The spiritual state of humanity is often grossly underestimated. While the physical aspect is overemphasized, the spiritual state is sometimes regarded as non-existent. Many people are typically unaware of the spiritual dimension in their lives. Yet, it is the spiritual element that sets humans apart from other animal species. A person is on a path toward life when aware of their spiritual existence, but on a path toward demise when preoccupied with only the physical aspect.
God introduced a physical condition to humanity to cultivate His character. This condition presents a choice between godliness and worldliness, the latter leading to destruction. The human spirit, which sets us apart from animals, is distinct from the Holy Spirit and tainted by evil, mired in the confusion of discerning right from wrong. Trapped in this confusion, humans could not free themselves. Jesus’ role is to guide humanity in assessing information and making correct choices, as opposed to being consumed by materialism.
Materialism tends to cultivate pride within an individual. As one amasses more possessions, they often feel more secure. Such a person is frequently admired by their peers, who acknowledge their status as a confirmation of their value. Unfortunately, embracing the teachings of Jesus necessitates relinquishing all possessions, which aligns with his humble status. This can strip an individual of the dignity previously granted by material wealth. Often, due to a failure to properly assess priorities, material gains are valued above all else, leading to the neglect of the offer of salvation. The wealthy young man who declined Jesus’ invitation resonates with many individuals, even in our contemporary era, as depicted in Matthew 19:16-22.
Pride often results in poor decision-making. The greatest deception, perpetuated by Satan, convinces individuals to overestimate their worth based on material possessions. Such individuals start to view themselves more favourably than their peers. However, death is inevitable, and they may pass away, leaving everything behind. These realities are often ignored, yet they are as certain as the sunrise tomorrow. To break free from this mindset, one must let go of everything, which leads to a path of spirituality. Essentially, personality is more spiritual than physical. Nevertheless, society frequently promotes the idea that a person’s value is measured by their material wealth, stemming from ignorance of the spiritual content.
Without the spirit, there is no human to talk about. Similarly, the spirit that distinguishes humans from animals cannot make decisions without the physical body. For a human being to function the two dichotomies are desirable to coexist. A spirit without the body is incapacitated, but being the one entrusted with the memory data, acquired during the person’s life experiences. The physical body perishes, as organically predisposed to rotting in the grave.
The more spiritual a person is, the greater their chances of survival become. Conversely, the more materialistic a person is, the more susceptible they are to death. This reflects the human condition, where ignorance entraps one in sinful bonds. The most beneficial spiritual state for humanity is the capacity to resonate with Jesus. This means connecting with the spiritual essence of Jesus to gain wisdom for survival, not with the physical representation of idolatry. Humility is essential to recognize the importance of Jesus in one’s life.
A human being is not inherently hostile to divine communication. Every individual embodies both good and evil. Regardless of their religious beliefs, each person possesses what is often referred to as an inner conscience, which is a form of spiritual communication. Many are recognized as good individuals without being notably religious. Effective communicators strive to connect with the spirit, whose conscience is open to constructive dialogue. In this light, it is essential to engage all humans with positive communication. Even in their darkest moments, when some may no longer heed their inner conscience, it remains crucial to persist in reaching out with affirmative communication.
“For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:11-16 NKJV).
Human nature frequently finds greater comfort in receiving than in giving. This dichotomy within humanity breeds division, leading to discomfort in life. The tendency to receive rather than to give, which would benefit others, stands in opposition to the principle of love. Paul described actions that gratify the physical nature as ‘works of the flesh,’ while he depicted the spirit as producing progressive fruit independently of such works.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:16-18 NKJV)
Without duality in humanity, productivity in one’s Christian life would be unattainable. This is akin to how negative and positive electric currents collaborate to generate the necessary energy for acceptable results. The condition of duality in humanity should be celebrated, not scorned. Productivity is possible only during our physical existence. Rewards await those who use their physical lives to make a positive impact on others. There is no reason to despise physical life, but rather to harness it for productive ends.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such, there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-24 NKJV).
The life of every human being, no matter their circumstances or background, deserves to be celebrated and fully embraced. It is crucial to recognize the presence of duality, yet prioritize the spirit over the physical. Those who seek guidance from spiritual communication, rather than succumbing to material allurements, are more likely to succeed. Physical existence, intended to enable communication, should not become an obsession but rather a tool to realize the core of spiritual goals. A good life suggests placing too much importance on the spiritual while neglecting the physical. This is the sole condition for accessing the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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