Two men took their pet dogs for a walk. In the narrow lane, the two pet dogs scratched and tried to bite one another. Then began the argument between the two men, later it ended up in a shooting; two were dead, and six others were injured. (NDTV 18 August 2023) Adamic nature is at par with animal nature, if not worse. Dogs fight with strange gods, but the Bible teaches people to love and show hospitality to strangers. (Hebrews 13:2)
Petty mindset: Sadly, people are afflicted with a petty mindset that values animals especially pets more than people. The pet dogs attacked one another, but one owner thought he was attacked by another man who owned the other pet. In other words, an attack on his pet by a pet owned by another man was an attack on him. So, he wanted to take revenge as his self-respect, honor, and dignity were tarnished. His pettiness did not allow him to realize people are created in the image of God. Human life is sacred, snuffing out a life is a rebellious sin against God. You shall not murder. (Exodus 20: 13; Deuteronomy 5:17)
Pride: Immense pride could make a person foolish and stupid. Pride goes before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) In fact, he was the proud owner of his pet, and his self-esteem was linked to the well-being of his dog. By adding a pet dog to his life, he perceived having added value or stature to his life. In his perception based on pride, other people are nothing or not worthy to even live.
Power of gun: Not only proud of owning a pet, but he was also dependent on his possession of a gun. For him, the gun was power, a tool for protection and to teach a lesson to those messing up with his life. The license to own a gun was given to protect himself. Alas, he used it to protect his dog and his honor as a dog owner. In the end, he became a murderer for an unworthy cause.
Do I regard others as created in the image of God, respect and regard them?