Life matters

I was intrigued by the small group of boys hovering on the edge of a wooded section in town. One of them had a rifle; I supposed a BB gun or pellet rifle, and a big smile on his face. The others looked curious, and a little nervous.

As I meandered over I called out, "Hey guys. What are you hunting?"

"Squirrels" came the reply.

Now squirrels are small, blend into trees, and move quickly. I was a little surprised at their positive response when I asked if they got anything.

"Want to see?" the one with the rifle asked.

"Sure. Where is it?"

Boys growing up and enjoying life I thought as I smiled and walked away.

A few days later I learned his mother had grounded the small game hunter. Apparently, he had been warned against shooting animals, birds, etc. I shook my head and thought how important it is for a boy to have his Dad, which this boy did not, at home to balance the scales between squeamish pacifistic females and adventure loving boys growing their provision skills. As I lamented the boys' plight another possibility slowly permeated my thoughts. Perhaps, just perhaps, his mother wanted him to understand how valuable life, all life, is. If allowed to wantonly kill anything not human or owned by a human, he could mature into an adult that did not value life. A person willing to snuff out any life any time is a dangerous man or woman. Way to go Mom!

God values all life great and small. He values "the birds of the air" and "feeds them." Expectant mothers, their unborn child, and slaves are highly valued by God. Exodus 21 bears witness how God looks out for these powerless and weak. If they are harmed, an appropriate punishment is prescribed. Following is the well known "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" statement that is often misunderstood. It is not a license to violence, but rather prohibits punishment that does not fit the crime.

Taking a life in self-defense is permitted. Murder is specifically prohibited in the sixth commandment. Refugee cities are established for one who takes the life of another accidentally or from impulsive behavior. Rather than death, the punishment is confinement to one town. Make it to one of these cities before the avenger of blood catches you and your life is not forfeited as it would have been from an intentional planned killing, i.e. murder. Life is precious.

God wants people not to take prosperity for granted. He points out how those who follow His ways will enjoy "the fat of the land" wherever they live. It is not satisfactory in God's eyes for anyone to merely exist. Life matters! Our heavenly Father wants us to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible this side of heaven. He enjoins us to seek out "a friend who sticks closer than a brother" and to meet together in groups as an opportunity for encouragement. Why? Because life matters!

-- Dr. Randy Rowlan is pastor of First United Methodist Church. Comments are welcomed at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Religion on 05/25/2016