Explore the Bible Series for January 20: God wants us to value everyone

Posted:1/10/08

Explore the Bible Series for January 20

God wants us to value everyone

• Genesis 1:27, 9:6; Matthew 5:21-22, 22:36-40; Mark 10:46-52

By Donald Raney

First Baptist Church, Petersburg

Pick up a newspaper in any town on any given day and you almost certainly will find numerous stories dealing with the need for welfare reform or universal health care, instances of discrimination or hate crimes, and debates over abortion and the death penalty.

Most often in private discussions or political deliberations, these issues are treated in isolation. Yet a closer look shows they are related. Each of these issues is based on the value we attach to individuals or groups. We may claim to place a high value on human life, but our actions or attitudes, particularly toward those who may be different than us, often prove that value is conditional.

From beginning to end, however, the Bible makes it clear God places the same high value on all people and calls on his followers to do the same and to demonstrate that through action. On this day set aside for focusing on the sanctity of human life, it is good to remember all the ways we can devalue life and commit ourselves to promoting the inherent value of all human life.

Honor everyone (Genesis 1:27, 9:6)

There are few verses in the opening chapters of Genesis that have sparked more discussion than Genesis 1:27. What does it mean to say that humanity was created in the image of God? There are widespread opinions concerning what aspects of humanity reflect the divine image. Is it our ability to reason, our sense of spirituality, our self awareness, or something else?

Whatever it might be, it seems clear it is that creation in God’s image that makes humanity distinct within all creation. It also is clear that divine image is present in all people. Genesis 1:27 specifically and directly connects the image of God to the creation of both male and female so neither can claim place of privilege and both would be equally honored as bearing unique aspects of God’s image.

Following the account of the flood, the writer of Genesis once again refers to the divine image within humanity. Many have debated whether Genesis 9:6 provides divine sanction of capital punishment. Whatever one’s position on the subject might be, it is important to note why this verse appears to call for such a penalty. It is not for revenge or even as a crime deterrent. It is because murder is an act against the image of God in another person.

This fact should guide every instance where human life is taken. Consider the case of Cain. He was apparently unrepentant about killing his own brother, yet God did not kill him. In fact, God granted Cain special protection. God is not interested in vengeance, but is keenly interested in protecting the divine image in humanity, and calls on his followers to honor all people as bearers of that image.

Respect everyone (Matthew 5:21-22)

When many people consider the sanctity of human life, they most often think of issues related to life and death, such as abortion or euthanasia. While those topics should certainly be included, they can blind us to other related issues. If we limit the discussion to these life and death matters, it is easy to affirm our support for the sanctity of life since we would never be involved in or support such actions.

But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pointed out the real issue is much deeper in the human heart. Jesus knew all actions toward others begin with an attitude and following Christ’s example calls us to go beyond avoiding certain behaviors to acknowledging and removing those attitudes.

How often have we allowed words or actions to be prompted by anger which resulted from hurt feelings or a wounded ego? If we fail to recognize and deal with those hurts, they can lead to anger which can lead us into disregard or even contempt for another person, and once the relationship is broken, Satan has an opening through which he can attack all areas of our lives (Ephesians 4:26-27). As we seek to uphold the sanctity of human life, we must commit to maintaining a high respect for others in which we regard them as God does.

Love everyone (Matthew 22:36-40)

On a number of occasions, people came to Jesus seeking his opinion concerning the law. On one occasion, a Pharisee asked Jesus what he considered the most important commandment. Jesus did not respond by pointing to one of the Ten Commandments or one of the ceremonial requirements. In fact, his response did not refer to any specific action. He said the greatest commandment was to love.

1 John 4:8 tells us God is love. It is not some quality or emotion God possesses. God defines what love is, and he calls us to be channels of that character. Yet that love should never be confined to those who look like, think like, or act like us. Matthew 5:43-48 teaches we are to love even those who hate us. And in doing so, we must remember love is a verb which is only real when it motivates action on behalf of another. If we claim to revere the sanctity of life, that must mean all life, and in order to demonstrate that, we must exercise an active love for everyone.

Value everyone (Mark 10:46-52)

God values all human life. He created us in His image and desires that we fully enjoy life as He intended it. He calls on all those who call themselves His followers to place a similar value on the lives of others. The story of blind Bartimaeus illustrates how we are to do this in at least two important ways. First, it is significant that we know this man’s name. The Bible does not record the names of several people whom the world would see as important—the pharaoh in Exodus and the emperor of Rome are two examples. Yet we know the name of this simple blind beggar (like we know the names of the Hebrew midwives in Exodus). There is perhaps no simpler way to show that we value someone else than by calling them by name. This is especially meaningful in relation to those people who are not normally in our “social circles.” Second, Jesus stopped what he was doing, journeying to Jerusalem for Passover, in order to meet the need of a common beggar. After so many others had demanded his attention and help for many months, Jesus did not respond with, “What do you want?” I quietly asked, “What can I do for you?” Do you hear the compassionate desire to help in that question?

We demonstrate the value we place on the lives of others by our willingness to have our agendas and schedules interrupted to meet the needs of someone else.