A Creature Unlike Any Other
Some people probably remember a 1996 book entitled, “The Rules.” This controversial book was a guide to dating and courting for women. It basically claimed that, in order to catch a man a women needs to follow the rules of a sexist and manipulative dating game. Well, for the most part the book is garbage, although it was a bestseller. But, it strikes me that the first “rule” of this book is exactly what we need to remember in our relationship with God. The rule is: “Be a creature unlike any other.” I frankly don’t care exactly what this means when applied to dating, but when applied to theology I think it is brilliant advice. We are creatures who have been created by God. Forgetting this simple fact is at the core of many of our difficulties today. First and formost we humans need to know our place as creatures beholden to the creator. At the same time, we must remember that we aren’t just any creatures. We are in made in the image of God and given responsibilities to fill, rule over, and subdue the rest of the created world. God has crowned us with glory and honor.
Forgetting our humble (mere creatures), yet exulted (unlike any other), place is tragic and deadly. Take a moment to read Psalm 8. The Psalmist puts it well. ”What are mere mortals that you are mindful of them?” the psalmist asks. Well, what are you?