You matter!

One of the most quoted sentences in the declaration of Independence says the following, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” How do we know that this statement is true beyond self-derived assumption? Does everyone matter? Are all people created equal?

I have great news to share with you. No matter how good or bad your life is going. No matter how loved or hated you feel. You matter!

And this isn’t just my opinion. Your value is weaved into the core of all that you are as a human.

Let’s imagine that there is no God. Let’s imagine that we all came from a singular source of matter that evolved throughout time. Let’s imagine that in order to become humans we had to be smarter and stronger than other species. Let’s imagine that existence is simple a battle of survival. And that if you are one of the weak ones who dies, nothing exists beyond your death. Meaning that your life was ultimately meaningless when all memory of you dies with your lifeless cells.

If that theory were true would we be able to know that humans matter?

By our skill at survival over other species? This doesn’t lead to valuing life. This leads to self-defense violence.

By our good actions? If there is no God, what true source of morality exists? None.

By our legacy or memory? If there is no eternity, what ultimate meaning does your life have or the lives of those you knew?

If there is no God, we could make no credible argument for the value of your life.

Thankfully, there is a God. And because of his goodness we are able to have full assurance that our lives matter. How can we know? I’m glad you asked. Here are two ways to know that you matter!

First,

All humans have equal value.

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

Before humans did any good deeds, gained wealth, or increased in diversity, God decided to create all people in his image.

The value of every human life is not based upon their family’s wealth. It is not based upon their outward appearance. It is not based upon what skills they have to offer the world. All people are created equal because all people are equally made in God’s image. And what does it mean to be made in God’s image?

Humans, though imperfectly, share in God’s nature and attributes. This gives us the ability to have spiritual relationship with him beyond what the rest of creation can experience.

In our first message in Genesis. We noticed that God was creating, leading, and designing. He entrusts us with the responsibility to do the same.

And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

God did not make animals or plants in his image. Instead, he cared for them by giving them care-takers, us. He proved the value of creation by giving creation servant-leaders. And he showed our unique value by asking us to be like him as a co-ruler.

Even though many humans reject God. It is amazing how we still intuitively understand the unique value of human life.If a squirrel gets ran over. We do not lower the flag, have a day of mourning, and give flowers to the squirrels family. But if a human were hit by a vehicle we would rightly rush to the aid of all involved.

You are not an animal. You did not come from animals. You have more value than anything else in creation. It is okay for animals to act instinctively in the jungle to kill their prey or mate with others. But you have more value, you were made in the image of God. Humans are God’s crowning achievement.

Why do people who do not know God still have love and goodness in their hearts? They are made in God’s image.

Why should we protect innocent unborn human lives? They are made in God’s image.

Why should we fight racism? They are made in God’s image.

Why should we resist the pull of pornography? They are made in God’s image.

Why should we give to the poor and care for widows? They are made in God’s image.

All humans have equal value, because all humans are made in the image of God.

Secondly,

All humans are intentionally designed.

27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.

Some ancient societies teach that men are more important than women. Some modern societies teach that women are more important than men. God’s word uncovers a refreshing reality: both men and women, though different, are equally created in God’s image.

Did you notice that when God was creating humanity he said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Who was the us?

It was not angels, we do not have the same likeness, limitations, or purpose of spiritual angelic beings.

It was not animals, God is not an animal and they were not endowed with his nature.

Many believe that this verse is the first reference to the Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Three in one. Both equal in value and unique in design. Unified in purpose. Committed to community and love.

Men and women were created to be a reflection of the community God has had from the beginning. Complimentary in function and design, equal in value, and created to create.

God could have made a fresh batch of humans each time one died. God could have made us like self reproducing amoebas. Instead, God designed humans to multiply and fill the earth. He designed us for community. He made us for family.

Though he designed us perfectly, our decision to reject God’s path brought brokenness into this world. Affecting bodies, gender relationships, and even the ability to have healthy families.

But God, loved the world. He desires for all people to know him because all are equally valuable in his sight.

So God sent his son into the word. Jesus was the perfect image of the invisible God. As we saw Jesus’ perfect love, we learned of God’s perfect love and nature. Jesus was a male, but he defied the male stereotypes of his day. He wept. He loved deeply. He defended women and entrusted them with roles society would not. He lived single and never had children and yet he came to make a family. A spiritual family made up of every age, race, and culture. A family formed into a church who is like his bride. A bride he died to save so that we could be untied with him forever through his resurrection power.

To be fully human has nothing to do with what you accomplish or the situation you were born into. To be fully human is to entrust your body, soul, and spirit fully to the God you were made to reflect onto this world for which you were entrusted to care.