There is no question that the belief in a higher power has been a part of human consciousness for thousands of years. It seems that all groups of humans have a version of worship or appeal to some deity or power beyond earthly existence. And each style of worship believes the others are misguided.

Regardless of the spiritual trappings, they all have some things in common. They all seem to believe that physical death is not the end. They all seem to believe that there is some higher power that can influence circumstances affecting human life. They all seem to believe that establishing a worshiping relationship with that higher power will ensure beneficial results.

But, there is a more subtle commonality.

From a historical perspective, we can recognize that all of these groups, dating back thousands of years, have independently arrived at the same conclusion – there is a higher power. Why would that be?

The answer might simply be – instinct.

When we observe the behavior of animals in the wild, we recognize that certain behaviors appear to be “built-in.” Newborn puppies instinctively know to nurse on their mother. Birds instinctively know to sit on their newly laid eggs until they hatch. Bears know how to prepare for hibernation for the winter.

Perhaps human recognition of a higher power is instinct.

One of the ongoing debates regarding the nature of the human spirit is the concept of reincarnation. Such a concept assumes that the human personality exists independent of the physical body and can, in fact, occupy a series of human forms. Like many debatable theories, there have been cases of humans who have demonstrated an unexplainable knowledge or connection with a past life.

While not officially recognized by the Christian religion, such cases can hint at a spiritual existence before physical birth. Such a concept could easily explain why humans seem to be aware of the existence of that higher power we call God.

If, in fact, the personality and self-awareness exists prior to earthly existence, it would be understandable that we are born with an awareness of that spirit realm that leads us to seek to connect to that source.

Perhaps the ingrained awareness of the spiritual realm and the existence of God is a key element in our instinct toolkit.