God and Life

Psalm 139:13-16

Introduction

Imago Dei are words we probably don’t often think about or use in our daily conversations. Still, they carry an essential truth and the answer to the question that so many in our country are locked in debate over: how do we, as a culture and society, make decisions regarding human life? The answer is, treat every human as Imago Dei – that is, as image-bearers of their Creator, God.

When we start to see people, from the womb to tomb, as God Himself, carrying His reflection and representation within the world, our perspective becomes clear on the very divisive issues presented in the political sphere. With this understanding, the Kingdom Voter can look past party lines and agendas and focus instead on the true issue at hand: making our civil government live out its responsibility to protect all life. Every person, should have an unimpeded opportunity to be born and the responsibility choose to righteously, justly and legally pursue their divinely created reason for being. Protecting life allows all freedom to flourish.

David eloquently reminds us in Psalm 139:13, “For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” God begins life inside the womb. Many have aligned their perspectives with candidates or parties who agree with that understanding of human life. In the process, however, many have disregarded the value of human life that continues after birth until the tomb.

America has a history deeply marred by its disregard for the value and sanctity of life. We see this through all kinds of unrighteous actions and institutions, including slavery, Jim Crow laws and racism. If a government does not protect each person’s freedom to flourish, it fails to protect life. When the government allows abortion – that is, terminating the life and dignity of one who bears the imprint of the Lord – it is an attack on God Himself. As Kingdom Voters who are Kingdom thinkers, we must broaden our definition on this issue to expand not only to the unrighteous and evil murder of the unborn but also to the disregard for all human life. Our unjust systems and decisions remove human dignity and result in the loss of countless lives and communities of people.

Christians on both sides of the aisle must come together in a godly manner. We must take a stand to hold every party – and each representative in our government – accountable for protecting all life. This will bring forth a holy display of honoring every human’s Imago Dei from womb to tomb.

Getting Started

1. What does it mean to be created in the image of God? What is one way you see God’s reflection in yourself?
2. How does sin distort God’s image in people? How has sin distorted your view of yourself?

Let’s Get Personal

1. The job God gave civil governments was to protect the life of others so that they may live with unimpeded opportunity and the responsibility to choose their divinely created reason for being. In what ways have you seen government fulfill this responsibility? In what ways have you seen it fail to do so?
2. Often, Christians will express an understanding of God’s value on human life when it comes to the unborn. In what ways do you think the Church, as a whole, has missed the opportunity to express God’s value on human life from birth to death? Why is this so important?
3. How can Christians hold our government accountable for protecting all human life, from the womb to the tomb? How can it be done in a way that is righteous and honors the Lord?
4. What do you think would happen if Christians reached across racial, cultural, denominational and political divides to come together to take a stand in protecting life at all stages? How do you think it would impact an unbelieving world?

Take the Next Step

1. Consider your own opinions when it comes to the sanctity of life. Does your stance align with kingdom ethics or a personal/political one? In what ways do you need to broaden your view when it comes to protecting life?
2. How can you, as a Christian, become more involved in honoring the imago dei in all? Are there specific groups doing important work in that area that you can volunteer with, give to, and/or pray for?
3. Knowing what a divisive and charged issue this can be and how many leave out the importance of protecting life from womb to tomb, how can you pray about parts of this issue you may have left out of your prayer life?
4. Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Genesis 1:26-28; 9:6; Psalm 8:4-6; 22:9-10; 89:14; Job 10:8-12; 31:5; Matthew 1:20; 5:21-2; Isaiah 49:1-5; Jeremiah 4:1-5; Galatians 1:15-16; James 3:9; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; and the Book of Esther.

Renew Your Mind

“For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.”

Psalm 139:13-14