Articles
Wonderfully Made
Wonderfully Made
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You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
(Psa. 139:13-14)
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This passage is often used in the abortion debate to highlight the humanity of life within the womb. Among those who respect the Bible as God's word, it's a powerful argument against the slaughter of millions of unborn babies.
But there is another truth hidden in this passage that deserves our attention, especially in a society that is now tearing itself apart over a variety of unacquired differences. Notice what is NOT included in this description of the unborn child: its skin color, its gender, its ethnic background, its nationality, its heritage, or any number of other genetic or ancestral identifiers.
Let the significance of this omission sink in. Every one of us, regardless of whatever attributes we possess, is a creation of God, "fearfully and wonderfully made." By virtue of that divine origin, every one of us have equal value in His sight. We ought, therefore, to value each other as equals.
Racism in all its forms is a denial of this basic truth. This applies not just to the antebellum slavery of the Old South, but the reverse racism that is being peddled by modern Critical Race Theory. Any time we argue that one race is superior or inferior to another based solely on the color of their skin, we are denying the value of human beings made in the image of God. Nothing good will ever come of such a scheme.
Likewise, ethnic differences may be deep-seated, but they are not grounds per se for demeaning whole populations. A melting pot cannot function if the ingredients refuse to mix.
Gender differences are real and innate. But they do not grant license to one-half of the human race to belittle and denigrate the other half. Whatever their differences, each sex provides unique skills and strengths that benefit the other. We should appreciate the beauty of that symbiotic relationship.
By elevating superficial characteristics as the ultimate measure of human worth, our society is descending into a hell of our own making. But it doesn't have to be that way. In the gospel of Christ, these characteristics are minimized, and individuals are esteemed as creatures made in the image of God, simply for who they are.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. So is every other human being I encounter. Whatever differences I may have with them in the realm of politics, religion, or philosophy, God expects me to treat them with dignity and respect.
After all, that's what He did for me at the cross.
--David
