A Different Kind of Critter

Ever seen an antelope beating itself up for losing its temper? How about a lion calling itself a failure because it messed up on a relationship?

I’m going to go ahead and guess no.

But how many times have you talked to yourself that way?

Unfortunately, humans do this to themselves all the time.

So, what makes humans so different from other animals? Beyond our physical and cognitive abilities, God created us uniquely in His image (Genesis 1:27), giving us qualities that set us apart from the rest of creation. According to historian Yuval Noah Harari, there are three main distinctions that humans possess—each of which reflects God’s design and purpose for us.

1. We Work Well in Groups.

Even when we don’t know the people, and even when we’re, say, involuntarily stuck in an elevator, humans tend to find a way to work together to solve a problem. This ability to cooperate with others isn’t just a survival mechanism; it’s a reflection of the communal nature of God Himself. God designed us to thrive in relationships and to support one another, which is why we are often called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

When we gather with others, whether in a church setting, a small group, or even in an everyday situation, God’s presence among us empowers us to accomplish more together than we ever could alone. We are encouraged to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), reminding us that we’re never truly alone in our struggles.

2. We Communicate Well and Stay Flexible.

All animals can communicate, but humans have conversations and make compromises. This capacity for deep communication is a gift from God, who created us to connect not only with each other but also with Him. Prayer is the ultimate form of communication, where we can pour out our hearts, seek guidance, and receive comfort from our Heavenly Father (Philippians 4:6-7).

God also designed us to be adaptable and flexible, able to adjust our plans when necessary. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Our ability to communicate and remain open to change allows us to navigate the unexpected with grace and faith, trusting that God is directing our paths.

3. We Have Vivid Imaginations.

This is the big one—the one I’m really excited about. Our wild, wonderful imaginations have led to plenty of great things—cutting-edge technology, advances in medicine, theme parks, pineapple on pizza... But when things don’t go according to plan, we sometimes use those very same imaginations to punish ourselves.

Not only does the antelope not worry about losing its temper, but it’s also never really worried about anything, ever. And it’s literally for a lack of imagination.

God gave us the gift of imagination so we could envision a better future, dream big dreams, and even understand His divine nature through the wonders of creation (Romans 1:20). However, when we allow our imaginations to run wild with fear and worry, we step outside the peace that God desires for us. Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

But here’s the good news: with God’s help, we can learn to harness our imaginations in ways that glorify Him and bring us peace. By staying present in the moment and trusting God with our future, we can use our imaginations to our benefit rather than our detriment.

Here are a few ways to do that:

Come Back Down to Earth.
As soon as your first worry arrives, use your imagination to visualize all the things that would have to happen for your biggest fears to come true. Then, bring it to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 (again!) encourages us to present our requests to God, and in doing so, His peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. This process helps us recognize just how far-fetched our worries actually are, allowing us to trust in more realistic outcomes—ones where God is in control.

Conquer Your Triggers:
Use creative visualization to test out facing your fears—and overcoming them. For example, studies have shown that if you’re afraid of heights, imagining yourself looking down from a certain height and gradually imagining yourself moving higher can help prepare you for the real thing. While this practice has psychological benefits, it’s also an opportunity to trust in God’s strength rather than our own. Psalm 34:4 says, "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." By leaning into God’s promises, we can face our fears with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

So, next time you find yourself caught in a spiral of self-criticism or worry, remember that God created you differently for a reason. He designed you to work in community, communicate deeply, and imagine vividly—not to tear yourself down, but to build yourself up in faith, hope, and love.