When God created Adam, He gave him authority over all living creatures. As long as Adam submitted to God’s authority, creation remained under his. But when Adam sinned, that order broke. Adam became a rebel and the animals, once obedient, no longer submitted willingly. Now, to be useful to man, animals must be trained, their instincts subdued. But if animals need taming, what about us? Rudyard Kipling once praised humanity’s supposed moral progress—but Psalm 51 tells a different story. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise (Psalm 51:17). Why would a progressive humanity need a broken heart? Because sin still marks us. David, though beloved by God, sinned deeply and confessed, Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity (Psalm 51:5). True progress begins with repentance. Blessed is the one who mourns sin, turns to Christ and is restored by grace.
