VALUE LIFE—Exodus 20:13, Genesis 9:1-6
The sixth commandment is short: “Don’t murder” Isn’t that obvious? Unlike some commandments, most people agree with this one. Yet the commandment points us to a deeper understanding of the value of human life.
WHY should we value human life, above all other life?
Read Genesis 9:1-7.
When Noah came out of the ark, God reaffirmed the value of human life. Noah could kill animals for food, but God commanded him to protect human life, for a profound reason: God created humans in his image.
(This is not an argument for the death penalty, as imprisonment of murderers was not a realistic option in the time of Noah, as it is today. Punishment and deterrence is a complex issue, and arguments about the justice system might better focus on a fair and impartial justice system, with the emphasis on deterring murder and preserving the sanctity of human life.)
Humans—all humans—have unique value, because they are CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD.
The value of people does not depend on vague sentimentality, similarity to us, or country of origin. Most of the people in the world are actually quite different from us, in race, language, culture, and experiences. Yet as humans, they are in the image of God.
The value of people does not depend on their abilities. People we might see as handicapped or retarded are in the image of God. I had a cousin, mostly nonverbal, who was quite content to page through magazines and work at shoveling chicken manure all day long. When he joined the church, he managed to stammer only, “I love Jesus.” He is now with the Lord in glory, because he is in the image of God.
The value of people does not depend on their usefulness to society. Families sometimes struggle with end-of-life decisions, as artificial life support leads to a judgment about whether it is life that is being prolonged, or the process of dying. With modern technology, God allows people to participate in the decision about when the last breath will come. Yet decisions about when life ends should never be based on whether people are still “useful” to society.
The value of people does not depend upon public opinion or laws. Euthanasia, genocide, abortion, infanticide—all have been accepted at various times in history. In ancient Greece, infants were exposed on hillsides, to either be adopted or die of exposure. Under Roman law, fathers had the right of life or death over their children. In a culture where infants were devalued, the Didache, an instruction manual for Christian communities in the first century, said, “You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.”
In today’s world, abortion is both a moral and social issue, which is addressed by both laws and social norms. Science and public opinion often set the tone for debate. When exactly does life begin? Is the “morning after pill” different from the “morning before pill”? Do rape and incest factor into decisions? Who has the right to make such decisions, and what is the role of the government in protecting life? Public opinion can be swayed by science and cultural norms, but God’s word should be the foundation of Christian ethics: If a fetus is human, it is in the image of God, and life in the image of God must be valued and protected.
Ultimately, we must decide whether the value of human life is based on God’s values or society’s values. This has repercussions for us personally, as it impacts our own sense of value. Sometimes we may feel unworthy, insignificant, or devalued. A time may come when we are unproductive or in the oppressed minority. If we devalue other people, we devalue human all of human life.
This commandment implies more than, “Do not murder.” God commands us to high value on human life.
HOW CAN WE OBEY THIS COMMANDMENT?
1. Be “pro-life.”
“Pro-life” is more than a political stance on whether abortion should be legal. It is a commitment to protect and sustain life for all people.
God’s law does not end in Exodus 20 with the Ten Commandments; Exodus 21 has laws about protecting people from unruly animals. Exodus also has laws protecting vulnerable people: indentured servants, widows and orphans, and even aliens. There are also laws about justice for the poor, sexual abuse of women, and predatory lending.
God’s law indicates that God cares about protecting human life, and he expects people to protect life as well. God cares about unsafe streets, gangs, and innocent victims of crime. God cares about pollution or environmental hazards that may kill, and even unhealthy practices like smoking, drugs, and poor nutrition. (One recent study said that Americans drink 21% of all the calories they consume.)
God also cares about acts that destroy the human spirit: human trafficking, slave labor, physical or sexual abuse, or hopeless poverty. We might not have a lot of influence, but we must do everything possible to build a society that values and protects human life. That might include politics. Whether our political bent is liberal or conservative, God commands us to seek solutions that preserve life. We can also support organizations that support life. (For example, Bethany Christian Services provides alternatives to abortion, facilitates adoption and foster care, assists refugees, and supports families worldwide.)
Government and social organizations have a role in big role in being pro-life, and we can advocate policies that promote human thriving. Yet our primary responsibility is personal.
If we oppose abortion, are we also committed to children who are neglected and parents who are struggling with poverty, lack of life skills, or family circumstances? (Preacher: Insert church and community programs that provide that support, with opportunities for your hearers to get involved personally.)
If we believe in the value of ALL human life, what can we do to provide relief for overwhelmed parents, students in the classroom, or people who don’t fit in? If we oppose euthanasia, what can we do for those who are caring for homebound parents, some with debilitating diseases? If we are horrified at suicide, how can we reach out to those who are rejected or desperate?
We are surrounded by people who need help with life: homeless, alienated, lonely (at school, even at church), ostracized by race, language, appearance, or lack of social skills. We can’t help everyone, but maybe someone. Why? Their life matters to God, so it should matter to us!
2. Be “pro-dignity”—in every relationship of our lives
Sometimes we say, “If looks could kill.” They can, and words can kill even more!
***In 1995, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols bombed the Oklahoma City Federal Building, killing 168 people. (That act of violence left a legacy of concrete barriers in front of federal buildings nationwide.) What drives people toward such senseless killing? Every person’s story is different, but the story of Timothy Mc Veigh includes the cruel names he was called as a boy: “The Wimp” and “Chicken McVeigh.” How many people have been “murdered” by words?**
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you… anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:21-22) Words like idiot, stupid, loser, or any number of profanities…can kill. Names that demean by race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, body type or weakness, or “funny” names that aren’t funny…can kill. Even more, words of frustration can kill: “Why can’t I trust you to do anything right?” or, “You are so lame.”
Most of us are careful not to say those things, as least not out loud. The Heidelberg Catechism (a Reformed Catechism written in 1563, Q. & A. 105) is very perceptive, as it asks, “What is God’s will for you in the sixth commandment? I am not to belittle, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor—not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds—and I am not to be part to this in others…” Thoughts: gloating over the mistakes of another person. Words: spreading rumors that could destroy innocent people. Gestures: a shrug, a look of contempt or disgust.
People do those things even to people they love. Husbands and wives fail to really listen to their mates, and perhaps even mock or manipulate them. Parents express disappointment with children in demeaning ways. Children disrespect or disobey their parents, or mock them to impress their friends. Bosses treat employees as tools for profit, and employees undercut their bosses. Even church members might be inconsiderate, condescending, or downright mean.
Why do we do this? Where does it come from? It comes from within us. The apostle Paul says it comes from the “flesh,” our nature corrupted by sin: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like… (Galatians 5:19-21)
If the root of murder is broken human nature, the root has to be changed. Paul goes on to say, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) The Holy Spirit transforms us, and we must seek transformation.
God wants to do more for us than just keep us from killing people; he wants to teach us to value people, and build them up. The Heidelberg Catechism (#106) says, “By condemning envy, hatred and anger, God tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be patient, peace-loving, gentle, merciful, and friendly to them, to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.”
In other words, keeping the sixth commandment means that we love people: families, people we work with, and even our enemies. We draw out the best in them, and help them develop to their full potential. If they don’t know Jesus, we do our best to introduce them to the one who values them beyond their imagining.
When we first looked at this commandment, it seemed so easy. But when we try to love and value people like God loves and values them, we must turn to God for help. We need forgiveness, new attitudes, and the transformation by the Holy Spirit to help us love and care and God does.
Will you pray with me? (Preacher: Pray for spouses, children, families, friends, and enemies. Pray for coworker, employees, service people, and neighbors. Pray for people who are needy, hurting, or dying a slow death. Pray for each person: What can I do, Lord? What must I change? How can I grow?)
