Most humans will concede in theory that life is sacred. However, many people will, under pressure, give in to ignoble desires and proclaim that exceptions ought to be made. God does not allow for that kind of reasoning.
He is very strict and firm regarding the absolute sanctity of all human life. Genesis 1:26 tells us that God planned to create man in His image. The very next verse tells us that God followed through with His plan and created man in His image. Genesis 9:6 tells us that man is created in God's image. That repetition served to make sure that the fact that we are created in God's image did not escape our notice. Genesis 2:7 tells us that man became a living being when God breathed the breath of life into him.
The Ten Commandments prohibit murdering a human being. Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1, Job 31, and Isaiah 44 all speak of God's care for humans while still in the womb. A recurring theme in the Bible is the admonition to care for the weak among us, the young, the old, the orphan, the widow, etc.
Human life is important to God from conception to death. God created humans and gave them His very breath, the spark of life. Human life is sacred in God's sight and should be in ours.
Southern Baptists and others have designated this Sunday as the annual "Sanctity of Life Sunday," which celebrates God's marvelous gift of life to His creation. America needs this celebration now more than ever. Public and private discourse is anything but civil these days so that human dignity is ignored.
The entertainment industry churns out movies, video games, television shows, music, etc., that show an incredible callousness to human life. Parents allow their children to consume this trash at an alarming rate.
Modern governmental policy toward the poor and needy hurts rather than helps. It is inefficient and lacks any hint of human dignity. Abortion on demand kills millions of unborn children and demeans the parents.
It seems that our society is slowly creeping toward allowing the killing of unwanted babies, even after their birth. Granny-dumping and pro-euthanasia sentiments indicate that we are moving toward eliminating older people who have become a problem to us. Child welfare offices are flooded with real abuse cases to investigate. Murder almost seems mundane. Human trafficking is at record levels. Pornography is a multi-billion dollar sewer.
I could go on but you get the idea. You knew it before you started reading this column. You just didn't want to think about it.
You may not be able to change the things I just mentioned, but I imagine you could make a far greater impact than you imagine. Whatever the reality is in that regard, I do know this, you can make a difference.
You can engage people with whom you disagree with a greater civility and dignity. You can refuse to watch or purchase violent entertainment. You can refuse to allow your children or grandchildren (when they are under your care) to watch or listen to violent material. You can guide out of control families to get help in raising their children. You can serve at a crisis pregnancy center. You can work through your local church to care for widows and orphans.
The list is endless. You can begin to promote God's view of human life which is holy and sacred because we are created in His image. Speak of this truth to those you come in contact with. Teach it to your children and grandchildren and elected officials. Helping others to see life as God sees life is the only solution.
Steve Ellison's 15 years coaching and teaching in public schools have given him a deep love for high school students. He spent seven years on staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which fostered a tremendous interest in sports ministry. His life's purpose is to teach the Bible in a way that will capture the attention of a world that desperately needs it. He currently works as camp administrator at Ouachita Baptist Assembly, providing preaching, revivals and youth events. Email questions or comments to [email protected].
Religion on 01/17/2015