I’ve heard a lot of talk the past couple days about a group of men who are lost at sea, or somewhere in the sea. Five rich men were on an adventure to travel in an experimental submersible craft to see the wreck of the Titanic when communication was lost with the base ship. They only have enough oxygen on board to last a few days, so an extensive search is underway to see if they can be located over a vast area in time. This naturally brings up some criticisms of the extent of the effort to locate them, and whether they deserve to die, given the risks involved. It may be comparable to sending rescue teams to look for other groups of lost people and often at the risk of life to those trying to help them. How do we determine who is worth the risk and the cost to rescue, and who is not?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
I was talking with a friend a week ago about some of the brave souls who risked life and limb on seemingly very dangerous adventures to further our knowledge of the world, or to benefit others in some way. Men like Ernest Shackleton, George Mallory, Louis Zamperini, Percy Fawcett, Jim Elliot, and many others lived lives that are so remarkable, they becomes the subject of books and movies. I also came across the story of two guys who developed the Bathysphere (pictured above) nearly 100 years ago, which was the first deep sea submersible exploration device. Reading the exploits of these adventurers who either succeeded or lost their lives in striving for something beyond themselves brings some humility to our seemingly boring lives, but also may motivate us to do something more with the opportunities we are given as well. We may not make any headlines, or be remembered 100 years from now, but what audience are we trying to impress?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17
When we look at others through the eyes of how much their life is worth compared to others, we tend to dehumanize their lives, as in they won’t ever be a productive member of society, and are not worth your time, energy etc. This plays out in ways that lead to murder, and even genocide ( e.g. in Rwanda or Nazi Germany). We can hold others accountable for their actions, but God is the ultimate judge, and is in the business of redemption, and we should be as well. May you see others for their created value and not just how much they are worth, or not worth to you alone.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Yours in Christ,
Clark
