Realizing The Value Of Our Existence

Emphasizing the value of human life, the Psalmist states in Psalm 49:7-9 ESV, "Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice....." When God created each part of our world, He pronounced it "good" (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25). However, in the creation of male and female, it was "very good" (Genesis 1:31).

In creating humanity, God did so in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Our life, then, is certainly not by accident as some would suggest, but by intelligent design. The Psalmist realized this when he wrote, "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13). The fact of creation gives testimony to the value of our existence.

Of greater importance than the fact of creation, is the sacrifice offered by the Lord Jesus for our redemption, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). These words of Jesus emphasize how important we are to Him and the Father. In fact, the sacrifice of Jesus was established in the mind of God "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4) and was accomplished "for you" (1 Peter 1:20). In God's mind, we more than merely issue or organic matter. We are truly loved by Him, on whose behalf He made the greatest sacrifice; the greatest example of love (John 15:13; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16).

Our understanding of the depth of God's love, should help us realize the importance and value of our existence. No situation is impossible, no problem too great, no situation so desperate, that we should ever "despair" of life (2 Corinthians 4:8-9; cf. Psalm 121:2). In a society that is accustomed to discarding the unwanted, it's easy to believe no one cares, that life doesn't matter. But, dear reader, life does matter! We are of value by virtue of our Creator, and "in Christ" (see article), we have eternal value! (Matthew 16:26; Psalm 49:7-8).

When we become discouraged in life, let us remember the value we have in the eyes of God! Let us realize the great love exhibited for us in Jesus (John 15:13; cf. Romans 5:6-10). Let us take great consolation in the promise of this scripture, "If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31). Dear reader, we are indeed important in God's eyes; so important that He tenderly cares for each one of us (Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 21:18; Acts 27:34; 1 Peter 5:7).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets