By
John Alan Turner
Tragedy last week kept us from furthering our exploration of why Christians should help people.
See, we’d spent a few days talking about God and what he’s like. That was important because in our desire to imitate him we should find ourselves becoming more and more like him – especially in the way he relates to people.
But I also think it’s important for us to think about humans and what they’re like. Obviously, the main reason God has chosen to serve people (especially the way he did when he was on earth in the flesh) is because it is in his nature to be a servant.
Certainly, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and serve others. So, one reason we help others is from a sense of obedience.
Furthermore, serving others is actually beneficial to us. We become better people by serving and caring for the needs of others.
But is there something more? Is there anything resident within humans that makes them worthy of service?
I think there is.
Human beings are made in the image of God and possess certain inalienable qualities which set them apart from the rest of creation. Obviously, for those who believe the Bible (or pay attention to human nature, human history and current events), human beings are fallen, and the divine image has been defaced. But – this is important – while that divine imprint has been defaced it has not been destroyed (cf. Genesis 9:6; James 3:9).
This belief is why Christians have always considered human life sacred and why Christians engage in charitable work.
In other words, we don’t honor people simply because it is what Jesus would do. And we don’t honor people simply because it’s good for us.
We honor people because they are worthy of honor and respect and dignity.
