The main goal of my lesson on Sunday was the as Christians we are to value all life as God would expect it. I opened up with the following question: Think of a time where you didn't feel valued. I got answers including being picked last, interviewing for a job, not being included in certain circles and such.
I then asked how society devalues certain individual's lives: mentally or physically handicapped, homeless, economically disadvantaged, race, criminals. We all agreed that we tend to put certain values on people's lives.
We looked at Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
God created EVERYONE and loves everyone. He desires fellowship from everyone. I brought up Osama Bin Laden and how if he were captured and killed many would be excited. I know when bad things happen to bad people I tend to think they deserved it. I feel we also pick and choose who is worth loving and helping. God isn't as selective. He desires fellowship with EVERYONE and his call to salvation is for everyone.
I referenced to Matthew 22 and looked at the Greatest Commandment where the disciples asked Jesus about the law:
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
It is hard to love a criminal as I would myself. Or the neighbor who parks a boat or a pull behind camper in his drive way. How about the co-worker or Sunday school class member who requires a lot of extra grace.
If we truly devoted ourselves to these 2 commandments there would be no room for selfishness or laziness.
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3 comments:
Great lesson!
Mike. I'm cravin the word. When ya gonna post another session?
-mark
I am constantly reminding myself "That person is one of God's children and is loved by God so I need to love them, not think bad of them, help them. etc." It's not an easy thing to do especially when the person is causing you a lot of pain. With my job situation, I have wanted to really dog my boss. I'll admit it, I have dogged my boss but I need to be more christlike and see her as God does. I'm not even close to being where I need to be with this one.
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