The Value Of Human Existence
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesEmphasizing the value of human life, the Psalmist states in Psalms 49:7-9, “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice….” (ESV). James asks, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14). Some have misunderstood James to be saying that, since life is short, it has little or no value. James does stress the brevity of human existence, but certainly that has nothing to do with the value of our lives.
The Value Of Creation And Life
When God created each part of the world, He pronounced it “good” (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25). With the creation of male and female, though, it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). In creating humanity, God did so in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Our life, then, is not by accident, but by intelligent design. The Psalmist realized this when he wrote, “For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13 – NKJV) The fact of creation attests to the value of human existence.
The Value Of Christ’s Redemptive Life
Of greater importance than the fact of creation, however, is the sacrifice offered by Christ for our redemption. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). These words of Jesus emphasize how important we are to Him and the Father. The sacrifice of Jesus was established in the mind of God “before the foundation of the world,” (Ephesians 1:4) and was accomplished “for you” (1 Peter 1:20). We are not “merely” tissue or organic matter in the sight of God! We are truly loved by Him, on whose behalf He made the greatest sacrifice, the greatest example of love (John 15:13; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16).
Understanding The Depth Of God’s Love
Understanding the depth of God’s love should help us recognize the importance and the value of our existence! No situation is impossible, no problem too great, no situation so desperate, that we “despair” of life (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
In a society that is accustomed to discarding the unwanted (whether of things, unborn life, etc.), it’s easy to believe no one cares, that life doesn’t matter. But it does matter! We are of value by virtue of our Creator, and in Christ, we have eternal value (Matthew 16:26; Psalm 49:7-8).
Conclusion
When life feels discouraging, remember the value you have in the eyes of God! Realize the great love exhibited for you in Jesus (John 15:13; cf. Romans 5:6-10). Take consolation in the promise of Scripture, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31).
We are important in God’s eyes and He cares for us! (Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 21:18; Acts 27:34; 1 Peter 5:7).