Values All Human Life

Values All Human Life

A HERO’S TALE

The story of Cain and Abel is a tragic tale.

Abel had so much promise, so much to live for. Sin was changing the world around him for the worse, but he took a stand for righteousness. Having trusted in his Creator, he chose to follow God rather than live as he pleased. Then, in one swift act of fury, Cain took his brother Abel’s life.

It took only two generations of human existence for the first murder to be committed. That might seem shocking at first. But if you know anything about sin, it’s actually not surprising at all. Sin is wickedly deceitful. Anger and unkind thoughts, for instance, can quickly turn into something much worse if left unchecked. Just ask Cain.

Abel’s murder was a horrible act in so many ways. But the worst part about it? Cain’s terrible deed was an attack on God’s image.

DECODING THE MESSAGE

The Bible says all humans are created in God’s image. This makes us different from anything else God created. Other mammals, birds, and fish weren’t created in God’s image. Neither were trees or mountains or planets. Only people.

To be made in God’s image means to be like God. That doesn’t mean we’re identical to God. He is holy, all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere. We are not. But we do share certain characteristics. Like God, we can speak, reason, love, and show creativity. We are spiritual in nature. As God’s image bearers, we represent God and are more special to him than anything else he created.

Can you see now why Cain’s murder of Abel was so terrible? Abel, like every person, was God’s image bearer, and Cain destroyed him.

Knowing that we are made in God’s image should affect how we treat others. A true hero for God values all human life because humans are God’s representatives. It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, brown, or polka-dot! All people are made in God’s image, and he loves everyone equally.

If you tease people for the way they look, you are attacking God’s image. If you treat someone badly because his or her skin color is different from yours, you are attacking God’s image. If you make fun of someone with a disability, you are attacking God’s image.

God doesn’t make mistakes. He made you just the way he wanted to. Same with everybody else. So value all human life.

BATTLE PLAN

Make friends with someone who is different from you. It’s honoring to God, and you’ll be surprised by what you can learn.