Sanctity of Life
Deuteronomy 30:19
Choosing Life: A Call to Embrace God's Gift
In a world often marred by darkness and destruction, we are presented with a profound choice - life or death. This isn't merely about physical existence, but about embracing the fullness of life that God intends for us. The message is clear and simple: choose life.
From the very beginning of creation, we see God as the author of life. In Genesis, His words bring forth stars, water, sky, plants, animals, and ultimately, human beings created in His own image. This divine act of creation sets the stage for God's ongoing commitment to life throughout history.
However, the entry of sin into the world brought with it the shadow of death. We see this play out dramatically in the stories of Cain and Abel, the violence that led to Noah's flood, and the countless tales of destruction and oppression throughout the Old Testament. Yet, even in the midst of this darkness, God continually calls His people back to life.
In Deuteronomy 30, we hear God's heartfelt plea: "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction... Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." This isn't a complex theological concept or a difficult exam. It's a straightforward invitation to align ourselves with God's life-giving nature.
The coming of Jesus Christ brings this theme of life into sharp focus. John's Gospel declares, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." Jesus himself proclaims, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). His entire ministry is characterized by bringing life - healing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving sins, and ultimately conquering death itself through His resurrection.
This call to choose life isn't just about personal salvation. It's an invitation to become agents of life in a world desperately in need of hope and renewal. We see this played out in practical ways:
Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked
Visiting those in prison and welcoming strangers
Caring for children and the elderly
Supporting families and strengthening marriages
Bringing healing to the broken-hearted and addicted
Standing up for the sanctity of all human life, including the unborn
These acts of compassion and justice are not mere social programs. They are tangible expressions of God's life-giving nature working through His people. When we engage in these activities, we declare to the world that every person bears the image of God and is worthy of dignity and love.
The call to choose life extends even to the most vulnerable among us - the unborn. Psalm 139 beautifully expresses God's intimate involvement in human life from its earliest stages: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." This truth compels us to value and protect life from its very beginning.
Yet, we must approach this sensitive issue with both truth and grace. Many have experienced the pain and regret of choices made in difficult circumstances. The good news is that God's forgiveness and healing are available to all who turn to Him. As 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Choosing life isn't always easy. It often requires sacrifice, courage, and a willingness to go against the prevailing culture. But it's a choice that aligns us with the very heart of God and brings deep fulfillment and purpose to our existence.
As we reflect on this call to choose life, let's consider some practical steps we can take:
Cultivate gratitude for the gift of life itself. Each day is an opportunity to experience and share God's love.
Look for ways to affirm the value of every person you encounter, regardless of their age, ability, or circumstances.
Support organizations and initiatives that promote life in all its stages - from pregnancy resource centers to elder care programs.
Be a voice for the voiceless, advocating for policies and practices that protect and enhance human dignity.
Extend grace and support to those who have made choices they regret, pointing them towards God's forgiveness and healing.
Invest in relationships that bring life - mentoring young people, strengthening families, caring for the lonely and isolated.
Cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in your own life - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities create an atmosphere where life can flourish.
Regularly examine your own choices and attitudes. Are there areas where you've allowed death-dealing thoughts or behaviors to take root? Bring these to God for transformation.
The choice before us is clear, yet profound. Will we align ourselves with the God of life, becoming channels of His love, hope, and renewal in a broken world? Or will we allow ourselves to be swept along by the currents of a culture often bent on destruction?
The invitation rings out across the ages: "Choose life, that you and your children may live." May we have the courage and wisdom to respond with a resounding "Yes!" to this divine call. As we do, we'll discover the abundant, purpose-filled existence God intends for us all.
Let us be a people known for choosing life - in our words, our actions, and our very being. For in doing so, we reflect the image of the One who is Life itself, bringing light and hope to a world in desperate need of both.