Life is sacred. Deep down, I think we all know this, even though our society often seems to forget.
As I sit here, reflecting on the current state of the world, I’m struck by how far we’ve drifted from understanding the sacredness of human life. There’s been a noticeable decline in the value we place on it, and that’s what we need to discuss together.
The Diminishing Value of Human Life
It seems to me that we are witnessing an era where violence is escalating, and the respect for human life is rapidly decreasing.
Look at our world: crime is rampant, violence is on the rise, and the headlines are filled with senseless murders. According to the FBI crime report a violent crime is committed every 26.3 seconds. A murder occurred every 32.1 minutes, a rape every 3.8 minutes, a robbery every 2.0 minutes, and an aggravated assault every 38.5 seconds.
Many years ago, there was a saying that even thieves had a code of honor. But now, even that has been cast aside.
It seems like human life has become expendable, something to be taken without a second thought. There is a growing trend where our value as individuals is diminishing. We’re not just numbers; we are people—each with a story, a purpose, and a soul.
Abortion, Euthanasia, and the Casual Conversation Around Life
Adding to this erosion of life’s value, we often hear debates about abortion and euthanasia. These are sensitive topics, but what’s troubling is how casually they’re discussed.
It’s almost as if human life isn’t sacred anymore. It’s as if the world has decided that life can be created and ended as easily as turning a switch. The way these conversations are framed shows that many no longer see life as something precious, something to be protected and cherished.
In our hearts, we still know that human life is different. It’s unique. It’s valuable.
But somehow, we’ve become hesitant to admit that out loud. We’ve allowed this truth to be buried beneath arguments, philosophies, and cultural norms that pull us further from the truth that life, especially human life, is sacred.
Made in the Image of God
The sanctity of life rests on one unshakable fact: you, me, and every person walking this earth are made in the image of God. This truth gives our lives immeasurable worth.
However, as society drifts further away from God, our understanding of what it means to be made in His image also fades. When people no longer acknowledge God, they also lose sight of the unique value placed on human life.
Wherever the Gospel is preached, you will notice a high regard for life. You’ll find people advocating for better living conditions, building hospitals, and pushing for safety measures that protect lives.
But in places where the Gospel isn’t preached, the value of human life often plummets. Scripture teaches us that man is different from animals because we are made in God’s image. But what does that really mean?
Understanding the Image of God
Being made in the image of God doesn’t mean that God has a physical body that looks like ours.
Scripture tells us that God is a Spirit. Jesus himself said it: “God is Spirit” (John 4:24). God is not bound by a physical body, time, or space. He is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable.
These are qualities that make God completely different from us. We, as humans, are finite—we live in a specific time and place, and we change constantly. But, despite these differences, there’s a deep and profound sense in which we are like God.
Let’s use a simple analogy. Imagine standing in front of a mirror. You see a reflection of yourself, but it’s not the real you—it’s just an image. You and your reflection are completely different, yet at the same time, extremely alike.
The reflection can tell you something about your appearance, but it’s not you. In the same way, God is the original, and we are His reflection. We are completely different from Him, and yet, we bear His likeness in many ways.
How We Reflect God’s Nature
So, in what ways are we like God? Theologians call these “communicable attributes,” which means they are qualities of God that He shares with us, to some extent. God is wise, and so are we. God is powerful, and though our power is limited, we too possess strength and the ability to act. God is holy, perfectly just, and infinitely good, and though we fall short, we still have a sense of morality, justice, and goodness within us.
Even in our fallen state, we still reflect these attributes of God. Sure, our reflection of His nature has been marred by sin, but it’s not destroyed.
We were created to reflect God’s holiness, justice, and truth. And even though humanity has walked away from God, that image remains within us—though tarnished, it’s still there.
Why Human Life is Sacred
Because we are made in God’s image, human life is sacred. This is the foundation for why life should be protected, cherished, and respected. It’s why the Bible tells us, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
This commandment isn’t just about avoiding physical harm; it’s rooted in the idea that human life belongs to God. We have no right to take it unjustly because it is God who gives life, and He alone can take it away.
Some people, out of a good conscience or misunderstanding, argue that this commandment applies to all life, including animals. But Scripture makes a distinction.
In Genesis 9, after the flood, God gives Noah and his descendants permission to eat animals, while still emphasizing the sacredness of human life. There is a clear difference between human life and animal life.
Human beings are unique because we are spiritual creatures with eternity written on our hearts. We were created to live in fellowship with God, to reflect His character, and to experience His love.
The Image of God and Our Responsibility
So, what does this all mean for us today?
It means that we have a responsibility to treat human life with the dignity and respect it deserves. Every person you meet, no matter their background, their status, or their struggles, carries within them the image of God. That’s why acts of violence, abortion, euthanasia, and anything that devalues life should break our hearts.
We are called to be protectors of life, advocates for those who can’t speak for themselves, and defenders of the vulnerable.
But it goes even deeper than that. It means that how we live our lives, how we treat others, and how we speak about life matters. The words we use, the actions we take—they all reflect our understanding of the sacredness of life. And when we fail to honor the image of God in others, we dishonor God Himself.
A Call to Cherish Life
As we go about our daily lives, don’t forget the incredible worth of each human being. Whether it’s the unborn child, the elderly, the disabled, or the person living on the streets—each life is precious in God’s sight.
We are called to see beyond the surface and recognize the divine imprint on every soul.
I want to encourage you today to reflect on how you view life. Are there areas where you’ve become numb to the value of human life? Are there ways you can better honor the sanctity of life in your words, actions, and attitudes?
Let’s be people who not only acknowledge the sacredness of life but who live it out in our everyday interactions.
Because at the end of the day, life is sacred. It’s a gift from God, and it’s up to us to cherish and protect it.
Final Thoughts
This conversation about the sanctity of life isn’t just a theological issue—it’s a matter of the heart. It’s about how we see ourselves, how we see others, and ultimately, how we see God.
My prayer is that we would regain a sense of awe and reverence for the gift of life and that we would be voices of love, compassion, and truth in a world that so desperately needs to remember how precious every life truly is.
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