Monday of Lent 3, March 4

How do people think of life?

Answer #3: Life is only worth something if it is wanted.

Does life have intrinsic value? Or is a life only a life if it is wanted? Sadly, many in our world today are denying the intrinsic value of life and think if a life is not wanted, it can be disposed of. With this view of life, abortion, suicide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia have become rights. You can see this affecting how people view marriage and family today as well. Not wanted any more? Unfriend them! Divorce them. Disown them. Do you think the whole social media phenomenon has exploded because of this? People needing to feel wanted? Liked? Included?

But that's not how God views life! You are precious and valuable to Him because He made you and then sent His Son to die for you! Jesus was always hanging out with those people no one else wanted or wanted to bother with. So whether or not anyone else in this world wants you, God does! So by this definition, that makes your life worth living, and worth valuing, protecting, and loving.

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 

~ Isaiah 43:1

Lord Jesus, why would You want a sinner like me? But You do! So much that to "friend" me You did much more than click a button - You laid down Your life for me. Wow! Thank You for loving me and valuing me so! Amen.

Take a break from social media today and today read through one of the Gospels. Pay attention especially to how God loves, values, and wants all people. And know that means you as well!