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The Value of Human Life: A Reflection on Faith, Possessions, and Purpose

Writer's picture: La Vernia Church of ChristLa Vernia Church of Christ

By Wayne Robbins 11/21/24


I have never watched all of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. I did see a scene from the movie on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9vj2Wf57rQ. In this video, there is a poignant scene that left a profound impact. Oskar Schindler, played by Liam Neeson, is preparing to surrender to American soldiers as World War II ends. Schindler was a German businessman who saved over 1,100 Jewish lives during the Holocaust. He was also an ethnic German who had joined the Nazi party. He reflects on the true cost of his wealth. Looking at his possessions—a golden pen, a car, even his suit—he laments how much more he could have done to save lives. His realization—that human life is infinitely more valuable than any material possession—resonates deeply with a timeless biblical truth.

As I watched this scene, one scripture stood out firmly in my mind.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).


The Precious Gift of Life

Life is precious because it is given by God. In Genesis 2:7, we read that God breathed the breath of life into man, making us living beings. Every human being, regardless of background or circumstance, is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Yet, history—and even our present age—is marked by cruelty, division, and the devaluation of human life. How often do we overlook the divine worth of others, consumed instead by the pursuit of land, possessions, and fleeting pleasures?

God’s Word reminds us of our immense value to Him. Jesus said:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

So valuable are we that God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us (John 3:16). Through His sacrifice, we are not only given the gift of life but also the hope of eternal life.


Seeing Others Through God’s Eyes

Imagine if we could truly see others as God does—as souls of infinite worth. Each stranger we encounter carries a soul that God values. Jesus emphasized this truth in Matthew 16:26:

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Recognizing the worth of our own souls and those of others calls us to action. Paul writes in Philippians 2:3-5:

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”


Reflecting on Our Legacy

Will we face our last day with regrets, like Schindler, wishing we had done more? Many faithful missionaries, like Bro. TG Sudheer (known as Billy), are tirelessly working to spread the Gospel. In villages where he preaches, countless souls have obeyed the Gospel, and new converts are being strengthened in their faith. Yet, the work is often hindered by a lack of resources.

Just as the apostles needed financial support for their ministry (John 12:6; Luke 8:1-3), modern missionaries rely on the generosity of fellow Christians. Imagine standing before God, reflecting on how you used your resources. Would your list of contributions to the Lord’s work bring joy or regret?

Jesus teaches us in Luke 16:8-13 to use the “unrighteous mammon” of this world—our money and possessions—to help save souls and invest in eternal treasures. The early Christians demonstrated this by sharing their possessions to meet the needs of others (Acts 2:44-45).


A Call to Action

As Christians, we are not called to poverty but to stewardship. God has blessed many of us with more than enough. Yet, too often, we cling to worldly comforts instead of prioritizing His kingdom. Jesus warns us about the dangers of attachment to wealth:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).

We are rich by global standards, and with our richness comes the responsibility to share and support the spread of the Gospel. Opportunities abound to contribute to God’s work, but they require action.

In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said:

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Will you be one of those laborers? Will you use your resources to save souls, recognizing their eternal value?


Living with Eternal Perspective

Oskar Schindler’s legacy lives on because he chose to value human life above all else. As Christians, our legacy should reflect even greater values—not just human life, but the eternal soul. Every act of kindness, every dollar spent for God’s work, and every effort to share the Gospel carries eternal significance.

Thank God for the opportunity to invest in His kingdom and to see His Word transform lives. May we always remember that the value of a soul far outweighs anything this world has to offer.


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couchnarnia
Nov 27, 2024

Matthew 6:24 comes to mind. And so does 1 John 3:16-17. They are easy to forget as we live life. But, it's important that we review them and then go DO something about it... particularly in helping make others spiritually rich (2 Cor. 8:9).

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