Every one of us, as human beings, is of great value. We were all lovingly made in God's image, and therefore we have immense dignity. Each of us, at every age and stage of life, is unique and precious in His eyes. As Christians, we are called to see ourselves and everyone we encounter as such, but also remember that we are not more important than anyone else.
Secular society's views on our worth, on the other hand, are tragically different. Human beings are only seen as valuable if they are considered "beneficial" to society, as in not too young, not too old, successful when it comes to work and finances, supporting certain ideologies, etc. If you aren't considered beneficial to society? Then it's perfectly okay to shun you, use you for indoctrination, or even kill you. This is an extremely dangerous view!
How did society get so cruel and selfish in this matter? Well, I can't say for 100% certain, but I do believe that certain factors have contributed to the problem, which I'll explain below...
1. Secularization
Modern society's hatred towards Christianity has certainly played a role in the problem. To the Christian, people are made in the image of God. But secularists see people as nothing more than animals capable of being cruel. So of course that leads them to think that all humans (except themselves, probably) are worthless, despite the fact that they see all other animals as indispensable.
2. The Media
Whenever you look at the media, you'll often see a lot of bad news showcasing the evil and problems caused by people. Even though there are lots of people out there doing good things and making a positive impact, the media usually focuses on the negative. If you spend all your time paying attention to the media, then of course it's going to make you think most, if not all, people are evil. But the truth is, not everyone is evil!
3. Animals
Jesus said that we are worth more than many sparrows. Modern society believes the exact opposite. I've seen it myself the way some people love animals but hate all other humans. While the media often shows people in a negative light, it also often shows animals in a positive light. And because animals aren't capable of being cruel for the sake of being cruel, many people think they are better and more valuable than humans. Well, these people likely have never encountered an aggressive or dangerous animal. Despite what some might say, all animals aren't pure. They will attack and kill each other and humans in the right situations. And the reason they don't do evil things is simply because they can't. If they could, I'm sure they would. On another note, the portrayal of animals having the ability to think like we do in entertainment is possibly another contributing factor. I am by no means saying we should avoid viewing such entertainment, but we have to remember and remind ourselves that it's only fantasy.
That being said, it's not okay to practice animal cruelty either. We should not treat animals wrongly or kill them for the sake of killing. I love animals but I realize they should not be treated like they are human or better. We should reasonably extend our kindness towards animals as well, but without neglecting our brothers and sisters in need of help.
4. Personal Experience
Definitely a contributing factor. Many people look only at the bad in others while ignoring the good (I've struggled with this myself). I've seen people say that they would never help another person in danger or would never be kind to others again because other people treated them badly or used them. Treating others badly or using them is not a good thing, but two wrongs don't make a right. Also consider, how would you feel if someone else let you die because you happen to be a human? Jesus said that whatever we do or don't do for our fellow man, we do or don't do for Him. The Golden Rule applies here.
Let me say this: if you don't like the way the world is, how are you making it any better by being horrible toward your own species? You're only adding to the problem! Be the change you want to see in the world!
5. Confused Morals
Some people believe it's somehow compassionate to murder people before they take their first breath (or when they get old or get some disease or disability) to supposedly prevent them from suffering. Make them experience a brutal agonizing death in order to keep them from suffering...does that even make sense? This is not compassion at all. At best, it's justifying sin. Some people also believe the same thing is perfectly fine because "they'll grow up to be horrible anyway". How do you know that? Not everyone grows up to be cruel and evil. In fact, they may have grown up to do wonderful and noble things if only you'd let them.
Conclusion
Secular society is in a dark place. It is lost and confused and needs to see the truth and repent. It is heartbreaking to see people treated as worthless. We Christians must remember that everyone is made in the image of God and has immense value. We must encourage others to do the same and pray for those who go along with secular society's views.
God bless you and remember, you are loved!
Secular society's views on our worth, on the other hand, are tragically different. Human beings are only seen as valuable if they are considered "beneficial" to society, as in not too young, not too old, successful when it comes to work and finances, supporting certain ideologies, etc. If you aren't considered beneficial to society? Then it's perfectly okay to shun you, use you for indoctrination, or even kill you. This is an extremely dangerous view!
How did society get so cruel and selfish in this matter? Well, I can't say for 100% certain, but I do believe that certain factors have contributed to the problem, which I'll explain below...
1. Secularization
Modern society's hatred towards Christianity has certainly played a role in the problem. To the Christian, people are made in the image of God. But secularists see people as nothing more than animals capable of being cruel. So of course that leads them to think that all humans (except themselves, probably) are worthless, despite the fact that they see all other animals as indispensable.
2. The Media
Whenever you look at the media, you'll often see a lot of bad news showcasing the evil and problems caused by people. Even though there are lots of people out there doing good things and making a positive impact, the media usually focuses on the negative. If you spend all your time paying attention to the media, then of course it's going to make you think most, if not all, people are evil. But the truth is, not everyone is evil!
3. Animals
Jesus said that we are worth more than many sparrows. Modern society believes the exact opposite. I've seen it myself the way some people love animals but hate all other humans. While the media often shows people in a negative light, it also often shows animals in a positive light. And because animals aren't capable of being cruel for the sake of being cruel, many people think they are better and more valuable than humans. Well, these people likely have never encountered an aggressive or dangerous animal. Despite what some might say, all animals aren't pure. They will attack and kill each other and humans in the right situations. And the reason they don't do evil things is simply because they can't. If they could, I'm sure they would. On another note, the portrayal of animals having the ability to think like we do in entertainment is possibly another contributing factor. I am by no means saying we should avoid viewing such entertainment, but we have to remember and remind ourselves that it's only fantasy.
That being said, it's not okay to practice animal cruelty either. We should not treat animals wrongly or kill them for the sake of killing. I love animals but I realize they should not be treated like they are human or better. We should reasonably extend our kindness towards animals as well, but without neglecting our brothers and sisters in need of help.
4. Personal Experience
Definitely a contributing factor. Many people look only at the bad in others while ignoring the good (I've struggled with this myself). I've seen people say that they would never help another person in danger or would never be kind to others again because other people treated them badly or used them. Treating others badly or using them is not a good thing, but two wrongs don't make a right. Also consider, how would you feel if someone else let you die because you happen to be a human? Jesus said that whatever we do or don't do for our fellow man, we do or don't do for Him. The Golden Rule applies here.
Let me say this: if you don't like the way the world is, how are you making it any better by being horrible toward your own species? You're only adding to the problem! Be the change you want to see in the world!
5. Confused Morals
Some people believe it's somehow compassionate to murder people before they take their first breath (or when they get old or get some disease or disability) to supposedly prevent them from suffering. Make them experience a brutal agonizing death in order to keep them from suffering...does that even make sense? This is not compassion at all. At best, it's justifying sin. Some people also believe the same thing is perfectly fine because "they'll grow up to be horrible anyway". How do you know that? Not everyone grows up to be cruel and evil. In fact, they may have grown up to do wonderful and noble things if only you'd let them.
Conclusion
Secular society is in a dark place. It is lost and confused and needs to see the truth and repent. It is heartbreaking to see people treated as worthless. We Christians must remember that everyone is made in the image of God and has immense value. We must encourage others to do the same and pray for those who go along with secular society's views.
God bless you and remember, you are loved!
