By Effie Rolfe
Honoring the Sanctity of Life. Sadly, I recently heard a minister say ‘we have gotten to where we treat humans like animals and animals like humans.’ My thoughts exactly! I don’t believe he could have ever articulated this growing sentiment any better.
Nowadays, some people treat their pets better than family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and not to mention, strangers. I recall hearing a report where a man told his neighbor, ‘if you mess with my dog I will shoot you.’ What has happened to us that we have allowed an animal to ever take priority over human life? Ah, but this is nothing new, especially in America where slaves were once considered less than three-fifths human, or did that mindset ever disappear.
Jeremiah 32:27 clearly states, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” and yes, we should honor what God has made. But we must remember that God’s prized creation is man. This was the only time God used His hands, to form man from the dust in the image and likeness of an eternal, sovereign, loving and amazing God. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Gen 2:7”
Our heavenly Father and Creator, loves us unconditionally. Yet, everyday, the sanctity of life is on a rapid decline. Just this Easter Sunday in Cleveland, a Facebook Live murderer went to social media showing the brutal murder of an innocent 74-year-old, Robert Godwin, Sr., before killing the victim, he made Godwin say his girlfriend’s name. According to news sources, Steve Stephens was upset with his girlfriend and decided to vent by kill-
ing innocent people. The Cleveland police and authorities searched for Stephens in Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Sources reported that more than 400 tips came through after a $50,000 reward was issued for information to lead to his arrest. Stephens claimed he snapped after a quarrel with his girlfriend and also, admitted to at least thirteen additional homicides. His story ended tragically as he was found dead this week in Erie, Pennsylvania after committing suicide.
Unfortunately, there have been many more incidents of violence, including one where four African American teens kidnapped and tortured an autistic white male. As well, there is another report that white teenagers Lauren Bush, 17, and her 15-year-old accomplice were arrested by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department. The suspects recorded themselves assaulting their mentally challenged victim by pointing a knife to his throat, making him walk across a frozen pond and not helping when he fell in multiple times and kicking him in the groin, Sheriff Tim Cameron said. He told the Daily News Wednesday the “heinous” allegations in this case are some of the worst he has ever seen and have shocked the rural Maryland county. If that’s not enough, a recent rape also appeared on Facebook Live. Reports indicate that approximately 40 people watched. Unfortunately, not one of those viewing the incident notified the police.
Where is the love? The bible is right as it clearly states “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold (Matt 24:12). The news is filled with husbands killing their families before turning the gun on themselves, as well as mothers shooting their children, or sons and daughters murdering their parents. When will it end? Hopefully, before more innocent lives are taken. Sadly, people have reverted to this cruel, savage mentality.
The bottom line is all human life has value. There seems to be a growing population that refuses to acknowledge God as Supreme. Too many devalue the sanctity of human life. Hebrews 2:7 states, ‘You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor.’ Yet people would rather kill someone over a dog and then complain about an ape being put to death, even at the risk of a child being brutally killed.
When you show respect for human life you also show honor and respect for the Creator of all life. We must always remember that human life has value and should be valued by all human beings.
Do you honor the sanctity of life?
Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her effierolfe.com or on twitter.- com/effiedrolfe. Listen to her show daily on urbanpraiseradio. org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)