Do you understand the meaning of the sanctity of life? Activists use this phrase in the defense of the unborn, and rightly so, but this concept has a broader application. The basis for this is that every person is made in my image and in some way bears my essence. This applies regardless of the fall and original sin, regardless of status as believer, unbeliever, lost or redeemed, your friend or your enemy. Is this obvious to you or is it something you hold only as a mental construct and matter of principle? I want you to see this with your own eyes at first glance. Resolve to apply this principle universally and ask me to give you eyes to see. 

Am I my brother’s keeper? This is one of the first questions asked and it was posed in a disingenuous manner, for the one who asked had just killed his brother. The answer depends on what is meant by ‘keeper’. Your brother has the same liberty and freedom of action that you do, so you are not responsible to direct his life. Yet at the same time you cannot be indifferent, cold, and distant from your brother. If you have no other connection then you were both created in my image. What stronger connection do you need than that? If your brother is in need of daily bread, or even affluent and walking in darkness, can you turn your back instead of sharing my love with him? In this sense you are your brother’s keeper. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these ye have done it unto me. 

What is your perspective on the end of times? Are you concerned with matching the identities of living persons to characters in Biblical prophecy? Do you do the same thing with nations? Are you developing a scenario and setting dates for it? Do you find these activities to be spiritually beneficial? My word speaks of my return. Then it poses a question. What manner of persons should we be? You have a part to play in the great drama of eternity. Attending to your spiritual formation and the work I have called you to that you may do your own part well is more important than knowing the whole script. 

Are you familiar with the verse that says my sheep hear my voice? This is the way most people remember it, but careful examination shows that it says my sheep know my voice, and this isn’t quite the same thing. Everyone can hear my voice, otherwise who could be saved, but not all have ears to hear. Many hear my voice and do not recognize that it is me. I can speak audibly, but more often I speak through my word, through those I have placed in authority, through nature, circumstances, and even through chance encounters with strangers and things you overhear in passing. Do you know when I am speaking to you this way?