# Valuing Life --- Author: Greg Baker Index: [[CAN White Papers]] Word Doc: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cafv6chh965xl8088xq5g/Valuing-Life.docx?dl=0&rlkey=uef2urlu6qynrf2510t0fxepd --- **Introduction** In the Church Ambassador Network, a ministry of The FAMiLY LEADER Foundation, we hold to the teachings of the Bible that God created government for our good. We also hold to the teachings that life is an incredible gift from God that must be protected. We desire a government that not only values and protects all life, but also values the person. That value must extend to everyone, regardless of color, education, social economic status, or any other societal classification. **Theological Principles on Life** **1.** **God is the author and giver of life. He determines when life begins and ends.** “For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.” (Psalms 139:13-14) “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5) God is the author of life. He formed us and gave us our own unique DNA. He knew us even before we were conceived. He chose the time and place we were born. (Acts 17) As the author of life, only God can determine when life begins, and only God can take an innocent life, whether that be from age, sickness, or accident. Murder at any stage of human life is not only morally wrong, it is a sin against God, Himself, as the author, thus the owner of life. As Christians, we can begin to value life by understanding that God is the creator and owner of life. **2.** **God commands us to defend the cause of the voiceless.** “Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.” (Proverbs 31:8) "The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked." (Psalm 146:9) There is no one more without a voice than an unborn child. As Christians, we are called to defend those who do not have the ability or opportunity to speak for themselves. We must speak for the unborn in the womb. This includes exposing the lies from Satan on abortion that have taken many captive in our nation. However, defending the cause of the voiceless does not stop there, it is also defending the cause of the orphan, foreigner, widow, and poor. As Christians, we can value life by passionately defending all people who are being oppressed. **3.** **God wants us to experience life in abundance.** “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10) God did not give us life to mechanically go through the motions. He gave us life to actually live it. He wants us to live life abundantly. He wants us to pursue righteousness and live life in prosperity. Though life will come with challenges and trials, these too have incredible value and can be lived in abundance, as we walk in Christ. As Christians, we can value life by helping our neighbors live life in abundance, beginning with sharing the Gospel message. **4.** **Every aspect and part of our life matters.** “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Luke 12:7) “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23) “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13) God cares about every stage of our life. Whether we are in the womb, a young child, an adult, or a senior, God cares. He even cares about every detail of our lives both big and small. He cares because every aspect and stage of our lives has value, even our times of trials and difficulties. As a nation, we must begin to look at our trials differently. God does not only desire us to experience life in comfort, but He wants us to see the beauty in the hard times as well. This should greatly change the way we view euthanasia. As Christians we can value life by striving to care about people in every stage and detail of their life, during both the good times and hard times. **5.** **EVERY person has value.** “The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” (Psalm 145:9) “Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) There is no person too far fallen for God. There is no person too different for God. In His eyes, all have fallen short, and all are in need of the Gospel. Christ died on the Cross for ALL people and He desires ALL people to come to the knowledge of Him. God values every person so much that He paid the ultimate price for them. As Christians, we can value life by following the example of our Savior in valuing all people. **6.** **Every person’s days are numbered, so we must make the most of our time.** “And in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me.” (Psalm 139:16) “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) The Bible says our life is nothing more than a vapor. It goes by so quickly. We must make the most of each of our days and live it for Christ. When we do, we not only experience His blessings, others experience His blessings through us. As Christians, we can value life by making the most of our days. **Iowa’s Strong History** Iowa’s church, government, and collective people have a strong history of standing for those who are oppressed and need their voices to be heard. In the mid 1800’s Methodist and Quaker churches across Iowa preached against the wrongs of slavery and called Christians to stand against it. Iowans opened up their homes and became a refuge to those fleeing slavery in the southern states. Iowa had the most underground railroad locations per capita of any state. When the Civil War broke out, Iowans answered their call and sent the most troops per capita of any state to serve in the Union Army. Iowa has a history of being a voice for the voiceless. To remember the noble work of this generation of Iowans, Iowa built the current state capitol building in honor of them. If you look around the Iowa Capitol today, you will see a tribute to these brave men and women who stood up against oppression and won. Iowa must continue to be that beacon of light for all people, and just like it did in the mid 1800’s that beacon begins in Iowa’s churches.