Sacred

Written by cycleguy on June 21st, 2017

I’m sorry if you get tired of hearing about this but something has been sitting in my lap for a few days.

Being a victim of a hit and run driver while riding my bicycle has been a tad bit unsettling. Very unsettling for Jo. A tad for me.

But here is what is bothering me. I have been speaking to others-cyclists and non-cyclists-who are appalled at what happened. “How could someone just do that?” “How could someone hit someone and not care?” In fact, just this morning at the Y (Wednesday), I was talking to a man who prefers mountain biking over road biking because he got buzzed on his last ride. His question: “How can anyone be so mean, so uncaring about another human life?”

That really is the crux of the matter, you know? How? How can someone do that to someone else? How can I get buzzed, throw my arms out in question, and get the “royal bird” flashed back at me? That tells me that he/she knew exactly what they were doing.

It comes down to this: Human life is no longer sacred. Human life no longer means much to people. We live in a throw-away society so life is the same. Can there be any other explanation for the pro-choice view of life? I’m going to borrow some words from Jared C. Wilson’s book Unparalleled: How Christianity’s Uniqueness Makes it Compelling:

 Human life isn’t sacred because we managed to be the experiment of nature that finally worked. Human life isn’t sacred because we are beneficial to each other or to society. Human life isn’t sacred when it is wanted or desired or loved. Human life is sacred because God created it in his own image. (p.78-79)

How can anyone read Psalm139:13-16 and not see that uniqueness, that sacredness? God has made us in His image; we are His image-bearers. That doesn’t mean because we are “useful,” but beautiful.

This post was in the germination stage but took root when I read this post by my blogging friend, Jay. Jay directed us to his daughter, Sarah’s blog, where she also included a homemade video.  Powerful stuff. Please take a moment to read both and watch the video.

I’d like to hear your thoughts.

 

15 Comments so far ↓

  1. Jeff says:

    I agree Christianity is unique. It is far from compelling though. It is very easy to dismiss as just another fairy tale as the evidence for it is very weak to non- existent.

  2. Mike says:

    Sorry for what you experienced, but am not surprised. Look at all the Trump dirangement syndrome going on. People have lost all civility and concern for their fellow man. What until July when all the protesters start destroying things during their “civil disobedience”. Only God can fix this.

  3. Betty Draper says:

    Come on brother, preach it…

  4. Kari Scare says:

    I agree that we are a throw-away society. An instant one too. Both combine too often into a volatile mix. Because of this, we place too little value on what really matters and too much value on what doesn’t matter at all. Add into that the popularity of dishonesty, and we’re doomed… but for Jesus.

  5. Crystal says:

    Totally agree with everything you wrote!! Often think about the fact that since God created everyone from the youngest, in the womb, to the oldest person we meet and created each with a purpose that means each person has limitless value and worth and should be respected as such! There is something about recognizing the value and worth of humanity as a prized creation of a powerful creator that totally changes ones perspective on our everyday interactions, relationships, and just the way we value life! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on “Sacred”!!!!

  6. floyd says:

    My sentiments exactly. That’s summary of what you and I are working on.

  7. Oh, Sarah’s video and message were so moving and so true, Bill. Thank you for sharing!
    We are created in His image, and should always strive to treat others in that vein. Everyone we meet is a beloved child of God. Our words and our actions towards one another make all the difference in whether or not they know His love through us. How blessed I’ve felt this week being able to share His love with the children at VBS!
    Blessings and prayers, Bill!

  8. Linda Stoll says:

    this has been a tough season for you guys. often, the impact of all that’s occurred sinks in much later. keep on processing, walking through it all.

    your learnings are impacting those you touch, Bill …

    HE restores the years the locust have eaten, doesn’t He.

  9. TC Avey says:

    Well said. Life is sacred. All lives matter. How sad God must be that so few people value life.