The Value of Life

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  - Psalm 139:13-14

I'm typing this on a 2020 MacBook Pro.  There were over 15 million made that year.  Mine was made just like everyone else's (for the most part, some have Intel, some have Apple M1 CPU) but the data and the use of my MacBook is unique to me.  There is not one other 2020 MacBook Pro in the world that is exact to mine.  But, they all operate the same way.  Data comes in through the keyboard, mouse, wi-fi router, internet, or USB device and goes out to the display, printer, wi-fi router, internet, or even television.  There is input and output.  The CPU does the calculating, the SDD stores the data, the RAM is for temporary memory storage,  and the rest is the electronics to make it all work.  If we can comprehend the uniqueness of our own personal computer, phone, or tablet, then it is no different when it comes to the human being.

We are all made up of atoms, molecules, cells, and DNA.  The uniqueness in every person is encoded within this DNA from the very start, the very point of conception.  We are a uniquely created identity with flaws, shortcomings, aptitude, possibilities, and longing for discovery.  So, what separates you from another sitting in the chair next to you or across the restaurant?  Your life experiences have brought you to this point, and theirs have brought them to their point.  You may have been raised together, but your experiences are different.  You may have been raised in different cities, states, countries, and cultures, to which you would have a very different life experience.  The internal workings though are exactly the same.  You have a unique DNA, a code that defines you.  It is the design criteria for everything about you.

We know that the brain is made up of cells, and neural pathways (called synapses).  It is in constant active state, even when your sleeping.  As long as blood is flowing to the brain, it is moving data around.  In today's world it is like the "cloud".  It stores data, it computes, it provides answers, it holds onto the entirety of your memories, it is the instructor for your bodily functions - breathing, blinking, feeling, heart beating, digesting, excreting, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, and so on and so on.  It is the mastermind behind how it all works.  But, is your brain different than the person across the room from you?  It functions in many of the same ways as it needs to operate the complexities of the physical body, but the thoughts, the memories, the emotions, the experiences that are stored in your brain are 100% unique to you only.

So, why would Richard Dawkins then compare the human fetus to nothing greater than a pig?  His quote in 2013, "With respect to those meanings of "human" that are relevant to the morality of abortion, any fetus is less human than an adult pig." There is the atheistic view of the wonder of humanity. In the eyes of evolutionary atheists, we are all nothing more than evolved cells over billions of years and that the human evolved into a more intelligent being than other animals. The standard belief on value of life comes only from the subjective goodness that one can contribute to the greater good, not from the moral fiber which makes you - you.

From a religious perspective, we believe that God created mankind. We believe that God is in the creation of every new zygote at the point of conception, as stated in the scriptures - Psalm 139, "I formed you in your mother's womb." God created Adam, and God created Eve, to rule over the other creations in Genesis 1:26. You are a uniquely created being by the Creator of the universe. You have over 30 Trillion cells at any one time in the makeup of your body. Each of these cells serves a purpose, not randomly, not because of evolution, not because of coincidence, but because of your DNA and the unique purpose the Creator gave them. You have value because you were created for a purpose. Your value is not determined by your financial statement, your success at work, your parenting skills, the grades on your test, the results of that last project, or whether other people love you. Your value is determined by God alone, and because He is your creator, His love for you is eternal. You are here for a purpose to impact those around you for the kingdom. This life is just an infinitesimally small drop of water in the huge ocean of eternity. Lift your head up and realize that you are on track to meeting Jesus face to face one day and hear those words, "Well done."

Life's Purpose from Birth

 “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord" – Psalm 27:14

As the oxygen fills her lungs for the first time outside of her mother’s womb, her eyes separate, and the brightness of the room dilates her pupils.  The coolness of the air and the uncertainty of her new surroundings stimulate her senses, and the only reaction her mind can create is one of helplessness and crying.  As the surgical blade cuts through the umbilical cord, the newborn little girl is brought to her mother’s bosom and comforted.  Wrapped in swaddling clothes, her ear presses to her mother’s flesh and hears the all too familiar sound of her heartbeat.  A calmness comes over her body, and she instinctively curls into a fetal position, drawing her tiny legs up to her chest and bringing her fingers to her lips.

For 40 weeks, this baby and this mother have been inseparable.  The blood of the mother has flowed through the baby, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and growth hormones.  The baby’s body has been formed and shaped by the hand of the Almighty Creator of the Universe (Psalm 139:13), and a purpose-built spirit was placed inside this beautiful child.  For nine months, the mother has loved this child, sung songs, prayed, and wept over this life and the amazing things her little girl would one day accomplish.  Their hearts beat as one during the development, as the images were displayed through months 6, 7, and 8, leading right up to the moment of delivery.  They had a relationship before birth that no other could ever replicate, and one that would be tried from every angle throughout her upbringing.

The mother’s heart is designed with patience, love, and strength all wrapped up in one.  Patience for the birth, the years of growth & maturity, and the rebellion that is sure to come.  Love for the unlovable moments, the unconditional expression of emotion, and the foundation for the development of a new personality.  Strength for the emotional rollercoaster that will ensue throughout this child’s life, and the ability to stand firm on the principles and values that make up a woman of character in today’s world.

The baby’s heart is designed with patience, curiosity, and courage to take on the adventures that lie ahead.  Patience for the unfolding of life, the ever-challenging desire to do more, to excel and succeed in life, and for those around her that will break her heart countless times as she grows.  Curiosity for the wisdom, knowledge, and mistakes that will be made as she develops into a woman of character, always striving to reach that next rung on the ladder of life.  Courage to stand strong in the face of adversity, to take on the challenges in life, and to overcome the obstacles that will mark her pathway in finding her purpose, while living the life God has so wisely directed for her.

From the moment we are born, we are faced with the challenge of patiently waiting for the next great thing.  God has created you for unbelievable opportunities in life, and oftentimes it is difficult to slow down and wait for these opportunities to evolve.  Many times, we charge forward following our own plans rather than waiting for His guidance, because we lack patience.  It’s good to remind yourself when you are feeling impatient that God created you in your mother’s womb to do great things,ves but it will require that you let Him lead you to that place.  It is my fear that the majority of us have a hard time discovering God’s purpose in our life, because we are too far blinded by our own ambition and drive.  There is nothing you can dream up for your purpose in life that will exceed the plans He has destined you for.  I suggest that you take a step back, slow down, and simply ask Him where you should go next, and what He would have you do.  Then be patient and listen, even if it takes a lifetime for Him to reveal it to you.