THE VALUE OF LIFE
INTRODUCTION
The value of life is often placed in the background for the sake of domination with little regard to lives affected by its implementation. There is an onrush towards world domination that leaves many precious lives in the balance of livability!
There is an enhancement towards acceptance of ungodliness as in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit; all of which were destroyed by the hand of God.
The Value of Life
Hand of Oppressors
The value of life is of little regard as reflected by those who suffer at the hand of oppressors seeking to dominate and control; as the evilness of man flourishes, with an inroad towards domination that outweighs any crying out for mercy! Hideous crimes are committed that lack any mercy or compassion towards those being oppressed. The value of life fluctuates with the intensity of the situation at the hand of the predator!
Jesus described the characteristics of the time as “the beginning of sorrows.” He said there would be religious deception, political unrest, natural disasters, wars, and the persecution of believers in Him! He revealed that because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax (grow) cold. But he that shall endure to the end the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:12-13).
Reversing of
Life is Sacred
The best and purest human beings, from the beginning of time, have understood that life is sacred (Saul Bellow). Man has evolved into reversing the “life is sacred” category in craving out the destiny of many; imposing undue hardship and punishment on any in opposition to their desired goal of domination.
The demand for legalized abortion is of such a category by refusing to recognize that life is sacred from the moment of conception! Termination is now a matter of convenience being looked upon “as a woman’s right” rather than being embraced as sacred and cherished! There is increasing demand for acceptance by a culture drift that would disqualify “life is sacred” and “the value of life” concept.
A Dangerous Society
It was noted that when people conduct their lives as though there is no God, who knows and judges every person, evil can and will abound. The most dangerous society is one in which people have no sense of accountability to God and no fear of God. The value of life is greatly diminished in such an environment; when there is no hope towards the God of Creation, who created man and woman, placing them in a literal paradise on earth!
The paradise ended when Adam and Eve became disobedient to the Word of God, and accepted the deception of the serpent (Satan’s tool) in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6). Man continues to be influenced in such a manner today; seeking fulfillment through the things of this world, rather than the godly environment God intended.
Power and Authority
to Destroy
It was noted that God having power and authority to create also has power and authority to destroy that which He creates. This was shown by the flood (pre-Flood days of Noah). When humans become so evil, that every thought and imagination of the human mind and heart was only evil continually, God decided to destroy the earth and the humans He had created.
Apostle Peter wrote: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished; but the heavens and the earth, which are now by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against (until) the day of judgment and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:6-7).
Day of the Lord
Apostle Peter wrote: The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (totally unexpected by many); in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).
Peter, in noting the value of life, revealed why such had not already happened: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the wicked), as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)! It was noted that God is not willing that any should perish clearly expresses His desire for the salvation of all who will trust in Him!
Forthcoming Destruction
Apostle Peter wrote: Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved (forthcoming destruction), what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness (2 Peter 3:11). We, (the believer) according to his (God’s) promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Seeing that we look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot (sin), and blameless (2 Peter 3:13-14).
Apostle
Peter than issued a warning: Seeing that you know these things before (before
hand), beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall
from your own steadfastness. But grow in
grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter
3:17-18).
Fate of Individual
The value of life is emphasized throughout God’s Word; it is man who has disallowed what God has created! Scripture reveals: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). God sent not his Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) into the world to condemn the world; that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned; but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:17-18).
Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life (a heavenly abode); but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (John 3:36). The fate of each individual is dependent on acceptance of Jesus, as Lord and Savior, towards a heavenly gain; refusal is confinement to a placed called Hell.
Warnings Pushed Aside
It was noted that if the fires of freedom and civil liberties burn low in other lands, they must be made brighter in our own. If in other lands, the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our effort here to keep them free. If in other lands the eternal truths of the past are threatened by intolerance, we must provide a safe place for their continuation (Franklin D. Roosevelt).
It is unfortunate that warnings of the past have now become a reality, as forbearance plays into the picture, rather than resistance! The value of life is often deflated when warnings are pushed aside with proper action not taken to avoid them from coming to fruition.
Flames of Dissension
When there is fueling the flames of dissension, it tarnishes freedom sought
for and the value of life is greatly diminished, towards those desiring to live
in a godly environment, as Lot in Sodom! Apostle Peter noted: God delivered just Lot, vexed (oppressed) with the
filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked; for that righteous man dwelling
among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed (tormented) his righteous soul from
day to day with their unlawful deeds.
The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgment to be punished (2 Peter 2:7-9). God knows and understands the desires of the righteous towards living a godly life in Him!
Secular Values
It was noted that as nations of the world move steadily toward living entirely by secular values, God’s Word is ignored. In such an environment, Christians who adhere to the Bible, and genuine Christian faith, will be hated by this world!
We are witnessing this come to reality with the value of life, in a godly sense, deemed as unnecessary and unrealistic in our present day environment of a secular society that craves such to excel; and condemnation to those who no seek to do otherwise! Those caught up in such an environment, no longer adheres to the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God; but deems it outdated and old fashioned, no longer a necessity, as such seek to please the fleshly side of man, rather than a godly virtue!
Apostle Paul wrote: They that are after the flesh do mind (set their minds) on the things of flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit (Spirit of God). For to be carnally minded (of the flesh) is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).
Fruitfulness of a Godly
Walk
Scripture reveals: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Samuel Adam wrote: Let us secure His (God’s) favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive a better (Samuel Adam). The Psalmist wrote: The Lord is my shepherd (protector and provider), I shall not want (lack). He makes me to lie down in green pastures (pastures of tender green grass); he leads me beside the still waters (waters of rest).
He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:1-3). The value of life is what we allow or disallow in our life; thank God for individuals who allow Him to reign and shun evil! The fruitfulness of such a walk will be rewarded by a Heavenly Father, with the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior; towards entrance into a heavenly abode, in which the sinful nature of man will not be a part!
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