As I See It…

It’s now official. A neighboring state has passed a law and the governor has signed the bill that eliminates capital punishment in that state. There even seems to be a certain pride and self-assured rejoicing that was evident on the faces of those present at the signing ceremony.

So there you have it, cradle to grave protection against killing another human being. I say cradle to grave because that state like our federal government has long since turned a blind eye to punishing abortionists. In fact, they are protected, if not encouraged under current guidelines.

But it is not the political or legal atmosphere that disturbs me as much as our cultural indifference. I wonder how many people wagged their heads in disbelief over the signing of the above mentioned law let alone had broken hearts over its enactment. We have become a people who no longer value life. Not only do we condone killing innocent people from before the cradle until they may be brought to a sudden grave, we protect those who commit such acts from meaningful retribution.

There is little incentive to prevent people from taking another’s life when the end result is a warm bed, three square meals, health care and other niceties albeit in a restrained environment for the rest of their days.

Life is cheap. Given our cultural attitude, we could even say it’s valueless. Both Rome and WW II era Germany suffered as cultures from treating life cheaply. Now we are living in their shadows. No longer do we realize that man has been made in the image of God. And as such, any attack upon another human being is an attack upon the creator who made him as well. Homicide mars the image of God that we each bear.

And yet, if you think about it, mankind’s early Christmases were marred by similar action. Herod couldn’t stand the thought of a competitor for his throne, so he ordered the killing of a multitude of innocents after the birth of Christ. Rachel, we are told, at least mourned at the death of those killed.

My sense is that the hearts of those of us who celebrate Christmas this year aren’t quite so sensitive. Our Merry Christmas is marred by the desensitized attitude exhibited over the preciousness of life. After all, that Baby in the manger did come to offer life…and that abundantly.

Pastor Megilligan