Valuable

According to dictionary.com the word "valuable" has three definitions:

1. having considerable monetary worth
2. having qualities worthy of respect, admiration or esteem
3. of considerable use, service or importance

So what is valuable? Well, that depends on the person. One person might think their diamond ring is valuable while someone else might value their car. I might believe that my job as a kindergarten teacher is valuable, but others might not agree. What a person defines as valuable or of value can depend on how they were raised, choices they have made in life or other determining factors. 

Today William and Kate had their baby boy. The whole world had been watching and waiting for this since the couple tied the knot. When Kate did become pregnant, then the focus shifted to the due date, the sex of the baby and the possible names. Not once did anyone think that this was not a life growing inside Kate. This little guy was valuable right at conception. According to the world, he was worthy of respect, admiration or esteem even before he was born. He was of considerable importance. 

Throughout the day I have thought what if all babies were considered valuable? What if all pregnancies were celebrated with such great joy as Kate's? What if each precious baby was given respect and admiration and considerable importance immediately at conception? In a perfect world, this could be true, but we live in a sinful, fallen world. However, God values life. Each life is valuable and precious to Him! Why? Because we are created in His image! (Genesis 1:27) 

There are many verses in the Bible that discuss life-including before birth. Here are just a few: 

Jeremiah 1:4-5- The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 

Isaiah 49:1-Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother's womb he has spoken my name.

Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. **I love this whole chapter.**

And a few verses about the value of life: 

Mattew 12:11-12a- He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep? 

Matthew 6:26- 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? 

 John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

Think about it, what if...? 

Linking up with Inspire Me Monday, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Faithful Friday, Faith Filled Friday and One Sharendipity Place