Recent events once again bring the discussion of the value of human life to the forefront of society. The tragic death of George Floyd, the outcry for justice, and sadly, the anarchistic rioting that followed have captured the attention of millions in our country. These events force us to consider a fundamental question, “What is a life worth?”
Humanity does not possess the right to define the value of life. Creation cannot set its own parameters (cf. Rom. 9:21). Further, history reveals the biases of man which leads him to determine life’s value subjectively. Consider the examples of Manasseh (2 Kings 24:1-4) and genocidal dictators throughout world history. Even today the hypocrisy of man in proclaiming life’s value is clearly seen. Many in this country shout “Black lives matter!” while simultaneously fighting to defend the abhorrent murder of the unborn.
God created life and only He possesses the sovereign right to define its value. God created man “in His own image” (Gen. 1:27). “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). He declared one life worth more than the sum total of the entire world (Matt. 16:26). Therefore, the inescapable conclusion is that every life matters. Young and old, black and white, male and female, born and unborn, friend or enemy–every life is fashioned in the image of God and is of greater value than we can fully comprehend.
Every soul is fashioned in the image of God and is of great value. This is a non-negotiable and fundamental truth that everyone must recognize, and Christians must proclaim.
Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 22:37-40).