In Christ We Have Eternal Value

Don Cornelius created “Soul Train” and hosted the show in national syndication from 1971 to 1993. It was the first real venue on American TV for soul music, and as the show’s writer, producer, and emcee, Cornelius played a vital role in bringing stars like James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson to a wider audience.

However, Cornelius, 75, was plagued by health problems in the last three decades of his life. He underwent a 21-hour operation in 1982 to correct a congenital malformation in blood vessels in his brain. ”You choose your brain surgeons for their stamina,” he said afterwards, according to The Washington Post. “You’re never quite the same afterward. Travel is always a real test.”

His personal life also suffered. In 2008, he was arrested for felony domestic violence against his estranged wife, Victoria Avila-Cornelius. In 2009, he plead no contest to one count of “corporal injury resulting in traumatic condition of a spouse,” was put on probation for 36 months, and ordered to pay over $1,000 in fines. She also filed multiple restraining orders against him.

He was known for the catchphrase with which he closed each episode: “I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!”

Don Cornelius signed off for the last time apparently when he was found dead from a self-inflicted gun shot wound.
-ABC News, February 1, 2012, Sheila Marikar

What is the value of human life? The Psalmist states in Psalms 49:7-9, “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice….” (ESV). James asks, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14).

Some have misunderstood James to mean that, since life is short, it has little or no value. Although, James does stress the shortness of human existence, length of life has nothing to do with the value of our lives.

Since we are discussing the value of human life in today's message, I think it only fair that we begin our discussion with "The Value Of Creation And Life." When God created each part of the world, He pronounced it “good” (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25). With the creation of male and female, though, it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). In creating humanity, God did so in His image (Genesis 1:26-27).

Our life, then, is not by accident, but by intelligent design. The Psalmist realized this when he wrote, “For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13 – NKJV) The fact of creation confirms the value of human existence.

Continuing our discussion of the value of life, let's look at "The Value Of Christ’s Redemptive Life." Of greater importance than the fact of creation, however, is the sacrifice offered by Christ for our redemption. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). These words of Jesus emphasize how important we are to Him and the Father.

The sacrifice of Jesus was established in the mind of God “before the foundation of the world,” (Ephesians 1:4) and was accomplished “for you” (1 Peter 1:20). We are not “merely” tissue or organic matter in the sight of God! We are truly loved by Him, on whose behalf He made the greatest sacrifice, the greatest example of love (John 15:13; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16).

Assuredly now, we may discuss how we can go about "Understanding The Depth Of God’s Love." Understanding the depth of God’s love should help us recognize the importance and the value of our existence! No situation is impossible, no problem too great, no situation so desperate, that we “despair” of life (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

In a society that is accustomed to discarding the unwanted (whether of things, unborn life, etc.), it’s easy to believe no one cares, that life doesn’t matter. But it does matter! We are of value by virtue of our Creator, and in Christ, we have eternal value (Matthew 16:26; Psalm 49:7-8).

Ultimately, when life feels discouraging, remember the value you have in the eyes of God! Realize the great love exhibited for you in Jesus (John 15:13; cf. Romans 5:6-10). Take consolation in the promise of Scripture, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31).

My dear friends, always remember that we are important in God’s eyes and He cares for us! (Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 21:18; Acts 27:34; 1 Peter 5:7).

Let's pray:

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. For it is your business, not mine. You will know every shade of my suffering; You will care for me with your perfect fatherhood. Amen
-Special thanks to Mike Riley

Have a blessed day,

Julianne