Every Life is a Gift from God
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27
The book of Genesis says that when God created mankind on the sixth day, he breathed into the dust and formed male and female in his own image and likeness. Humans are the epitome of his creation, unlike any other created being. We as humans mirror God, we reflect him; it’s what gives us inherent dignity and worth. And even when our original parents rebelled in the garden, their sin could not hide God’s image.
Though tarnished, the image of God radiates through all who descend from Adam and Eve. The Bible declares that every human being—regardless of gender, heritage, ethnicity, or ability—is an image-bearer of God. It is no wonder that King David marvels at this divine privilege given to us, declaring in Psalm 8: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”
Our God is more than just mindful of us—he loves us and has declared himself our Protector. God is also Judge. If anyone destroys human life, that person will be held accountable. Human life is sacred because it is a gift given by God to every person, including the weak and the vulnerable in need of protection.
Sadly, the sacredness of human life is under attack from all corners. We see this when an infant in West Africa is left to starve to death because his disability is considered a curse. Or when a clinically depressed teenager in Europe is told she qualifies for doctor-assisted death. It’s made clear when an elderly woman in an unlicensed nursing home suffers from abuse. And when a preborn baby is aborted because prenatal screening showed he had a serious medical condition.
Although abortion is no longer a federally protected right, more than 62.5 million unborn babies have been aborted since 1973, according to National Right to Life statistics. And a 2012 study by medical experts puts the abortion rate for babies with Down syndrome at 67%. These babies (and others with similar diagnoses) were put to death—and their only crime was their disability.
Prenatal genetic testing now precedes prenatal care, becoming the barrier between life and death—between care and permanent rejection. While society commends itself for its advances in human rights, it nevertheless continues the eugenic logic of the 20th century which believes mankind becomes stronger by removing its weakest members. Most often that means divine image bearers who have disabilities. In our culture, abortion is the plainest example of the abuse of human dignity.
But no matter what society says, nothing can erase the God-given dignity and sanctity of each human life. Bearing the image of God confers dignity and absolute value upon human beings, which extends to the preborn child. As Psalm 139:13-14 describes, God meticulously knits each one of us together in our mother’s womb. Truly, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
God works in the lives of the preborn, as well. Consider in Luke 1:41 what happened when Mary, expectant with the Christ child, greeted her cousin Elizabeth who was also pregnant. At the sound of their greeting, John the Baptist became filled with the Holy Spirit, even though he was inside Elizabeth’s womb! This unborn child was rejoicing in utero, demonstrating that the Spirit of God was at work in his little life.
When I consider Mary and Elizabeth, I mourn for the mothers who are not given appropriate counseling when they receive a prenatal diagnosis that shows their preborn child may have a disability. Too often they are told that “a child with a disability will burden your family,” or “a child with a disability will suffer too much.”
Yes, disability has its challenges, but as many families have learned, children with disabilities are not burdensome. Often, they are the biggest blessing to their parents, their siblings, and their community. Our world is a better place because of the gifts and perspectives of people with disabilities.
This is why I speak out on behalf of the sacredness of all life. God has called Christians to advocate for those without a voice, for those with no hope in their suffering, and for the many children who are killed prematurely. As Proverbs 30:8-9 instructs: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” God calls each of us to speak up and proclaim that all life—including life with a disability—is a gift.
I boast in the Lord when it comes to the way Joni and Friends works so hard to create spaces of belonging for people with disabilities. I’m glad we make every effort to share the hope of Jesus Christ through every hardship. So, bless you for tackling this “hard” subject with me. May God’s favor shine on you as you uphold the sanctity and dignity of all human life.
– Joni Eareckson Tada
Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast
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