We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
United States of America Declaration of Independence
Since 1973, those of us who live in the United States have heard considerable wrangling over the unalienable right to life of the unborn child. I personally underwent a conversion on this issue after I came to faith in Christ in 1979. The debate on this continues. We have recently seen the argument over what to do with a child who has somehow survived an abortion and now lies breathing on the table. This is a human being. What rights does this person have? Seems like a no-brainer. That citizen enjoys the same right to life that you do. That right is God-given and inheres in the living human because he is human. No other value or function is required. Who decides that this particular human should have that right denied?
At the other end of the life-span, the move to allow so-called “physician-assisted suicide” is currently popular, and I can certainly understand the idea. It is agonizing to watch a loved one suffer. It is terrifying to be diagnosed with a debilitating disease with no hope of recovery. The chilling part comes when other people begin to get involved in the decision-making process. The hospital wants its ICU bed freed up. Family members, maybe unconsciously, subtly let the patient know it would be better to terminate life. In the case of the unconscious or legally incompetent patient, the motivation of those making the decision has to be brought into question. We are all human, and not everyone is as sweet and kind as you. Many will decide based on their own convenience, conviction, or profit. The question is again: Who decides?
There is now a move afoot to allow the euthanizing of those who suffer mental illness. Some who are morbidly depressed can now ask to die with the help of their physician. Is it wise for them to make this decision while in that frame of mind? What about those with dementia, or other chronic mental conditions that render them incompetent to decide for themselves? Unfortunately, their condition also makes it impossible for them to speak for themselves. Financial pressure is a not so subtle factor for many. Insurance will often not pay for prolonging life it, but it will spring for the overdose to end it. If you think that government-run health care will be kinder and gentler than insurance companies, you are seriously delusional.
Points to ponder:
- What makes a life eligible to be defended and protected? Is it mental ability or physical condition? If so, at what degree of impairment does that right end? Who decides?
- The right to live is inherent in the being of the individual because God created him in His own image. Human life contains a divine component.
- Government is implemented among men to secure the right to life, not remove it.
- Your end should be a mutual decision between you and God. If you are not able to do so, you want someone involved who knows your mind and has your interests at heart.
- If the Lord tarries, many of us will eventually be in a position to trust someone else to make these decisions for us.
The decision to terminate a life is final. It cannot be undone. If you don’t want the insurance company or the government to make decisions about your earthly destiny, then you can decide who will. Take the initiative now to prepare an advanced directive of some kind. Live until you are satisfied.
If you live in Arizona, the Attorney General’s website has an abundance of information and downloadable materials: https://www.azag.gov/seniors/life-care-planning
For those in other states, check out AARP’s state by state list for good info. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/
“With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”
Psalms 91:16 NKJV
pastorvirgil.com 