The Bible teaches us that God is the author of life and not only gives us life, but has the power to take our lives away. “for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb.” (Psalm chapter 139, verse 13).
But what happens when people decide to take that role upon themselves? Do we as humans have the right to decide when we can die?
Biblical perspective
We know how much God loves us and how important we are to Him.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any power’s, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans chapter 8, verses 38-39).
So knowing how much or creator loves us, why would we want the authority to take away our lives or determine their worth? “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew chapter 6, verse 26).
My thoughts
I have had my fair share of medical issues in my life and this has taught me the value of human life, and how important it is to make every day count, regardless of your situation.
Because of this, I do not agree with the proposed euthanasia bill, as I do not believe that it reflects what the Bible says about the sanctity of life. “ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalms chapter 139 verse 14).
Worldly views
These days society is very much about being “pro choice” and giving people the “right to choose.” This extends to abortions, vaccinations and now the proposed euthanasia bill.
Although having the right to choose some things in our lives is not harmful, what happens when those choices start to conflict with God’s plans for our lives?
“I have the right to do anything you say- but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything- but not everything is constructive.” (1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 23).
Where do we draw the line?
So if society condones euthanasia because they believe that the terminally ill no longer have a quality of life, then where do we draw the line? Is this going to extend to the disabled, or the mentally ill, or the suicidal? Is society going to decide that even those people are suffering too much to carry on living?
Suicide rates
Over the past 10 years the suicide rate has increased in New Zealand. But so has the awareness and support systems available for people who are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts.
We are constantly bombarded with media messages from different charities begging for people to seek help of they are feeling suicidal or depressed. But if society is constantly advocating for the prevention of suicide, then why are they proposing a euthanasia bill?
So I leave you with this final thought. We always need to remember that God loves us and has always got something great planned for our lives. We need to leave the timing of the end of our lives up to Him so that we can live to see what great things He has in store for us.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11).
My name is Kate and I love gardening, exercising, and being involved with my church social groups. I have loved to write from a young age, and took up poetry as a teenager. I have recently got married and am enjoying getting used to married life.