REFLECTIONS
January 28, 2007
 
 
— this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
1 John 1:1-2
 
 
Life Preservers
 
One of the most captivating books I have read is Pillars of the Earth. It is a very long novel set in the twelfth century. The story centers on the arduous task of building a great cathedral; but the theme of the book features the human struggles for life in those times. One of the most awakening portrayals in the book was the insensitivity to human life that existed. A father would die or a child would be killed, yet there was little mourning over the lost life. Every family experienced such losses in their lives, so they seemed conditioned to accept them with little emotion.
In our world today, we witness insensitivity to human life as terrorists uncaringly erase innocent lives and even choose to take their own. Life seemingly has little value. In contrast to that view, the culture we live in values human life perhaps like no culture or generation before. We take great measure to extend it and improve its quality. I believe that God honors human life, after all He created it; and I believe we honor Him with our unending quest to prolong life and to enhance its quality.
But in the face of all of that, I can’t help but wonder if we place the same value on preserving life that is eternal. As we look to our growing knowledge of science, medicine and technology to make earthly life longer, should we not also be growing spiritually to achieve even greater strides to preserve life beyond this world? To prolong life requires a growing knowledge of science, technology, and medicine. And only a few among us are equipped in these fields. Not everyone can prolong life.
But all of us can be life preservers. We can lead others to a life in eternity when we allow Christ to work through us. It doesn’t require science or technology or medicine. It only requires the testimony of God’s love through a friendly smile, a caring hand, or a warm invitation to everyone who would like to join us.
And as Christ shines through us, so does God’s gift to human life—life eternal.
 
“You are the light of the world.”
Richard Ì
 


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