In my personal devotion this morning…
… I came across some special insights that I want to elaborate on. We live today in a world where human value seems for the most part to be based on the four criteria of: looks, abilities, income and popularity. As a result of this we have conflict in many forms both internal as we wrestle with our self-image and external as we battle one another in various ways even to the point of taking life.
Sadly that is not God’s intention for mankind. His message for us is simple. God has given us eternal life through our belief in Christ alone (1 John 5:11) and we are to grow in His image (2 Corinthians 3:18) which comes through the reading of God’s written Word (John 20:31) and being led by the instructions for life it provides us. This in one sentence tells us the purpose for living and why each of us has dignity.
The Bible further elaborates on human dignity in four separate passages of His Word beginning with the fact that we have God’s image (Genesis 1:27). To me it is what makes a newborn baby so special. Looking into their eyes and seeing their face one sees the image of God. I had the opportunity just yesterday as I write this to meet one such newborn and how special that was.
Not only is our human dignity based on our being created in the image of God but also that God has elevated us to be just a “little lower than the angels” (Psalm 8:5). Today society seems to want to decrease the dignity of human life and elevate that of the animal kingdom. That was certainly not in God’s plan for creation.
Our human dignity comes from these facts plus the fact that God, the Creator of all that is or ever will be, loves us (John 3:16). How can any of us ever feel unloved knowing that He Who should be first in our lives loves each of us in such great measure.
Finally our human dignity lies in our being chosen for a special purpose. No employer or person in this life whether it be the most desired place of employment or public service opportunity offers such opportunity as to be able to bear fruit for our Creator God.
Whenever you have a moment where you feel unloved or less worthy than someone else consider today’s devotional thought and know that ALL LIFE IS SACRED and that includes each of you reading this.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Human dignity comes from the heritage given to us by our Heavenly Father.
DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Psalm 8:5 “mankind’s basis for human dignity”.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for creating me in Your image.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- What are the conflicts that come with putting looks,abilities, income and popularity as human value criteria?
- How does the taking of life come into play when concerns over looks, abilities, income and popularity are most important to us?
- Should all creation (human, plant, animal) be considered of equal value?
- What makes you unique?
- *** Gary Jerke *** Is a former State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor
