Do animals have souls? It's a topic for debate but I believe they just might and more so than some humans. As a child I had health issues that prevented me getting out much & even now I still lead a somewhat isolated life. For this reason most of time was spent around animals from the chickens eating bugs to the deer strung up and butchered.
As a farmer, pet owner, and Hunter I've seen my share of animal deaths. When an animal expires it isn't like a plant dying but closer to a human; the body shuts down, the breathing stops and there is a visible light that goes forever dim in the eyes. There has to be something there for the Grim Reaper to harvest.
When you mistreat an animal it suffers trauma like a human. Some lash out others cower in corners as a pair of loving hands reach toward them. They are broken and have to heal. Surely there is something within them for that mark to be left on.
Perhaps they do not possess a soul like ours but rather one God made just for them but it is a soul nonetheless.
John 3:28, 30 - Greater Than Me (Bible Journal)
"[28] You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’
[30] He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less (John 3:28, 30 NLT)."
I love how John the Baptist didn't seek glory for himself, but wanted people to run to the glory of God instead. John had no qualms about people going to Jesus to be baptized over him (despite his namesake), and John was "filled with joy at his (Jesus') success (John 3:29)." This is an attitude I want to incorporate into my own life. Should any success I have inspire someone, I want people to know that it is all thanks to the blessings and gifts God has put in my life. I want to want Him to get the glory, and I want to want eyes to go on God and not me. This is easier said than done, as getting attention for the things I do well in is certainly addictive and makes me feel good, but I don't want this to be my prime motivation for using the talents and abilities God has empowered me with.
Lord, thank You for once again giving me something to ponder and work on due to journaling about Scripture. Please forgive me for the times I get prideful when I succeed thanks to the gifts that You have given me. Please help me to be better about pointing to You in these accomplished moments, and may people flock to You over me as a result. Please help me to desire this and work on it. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
