January 18, 2026 – Sanctity of Human Life Text: Romans 12:1-2, 9-13
Dear Friends in Christ,
Well, it is no longer “out there.” It is now on our doorstep. Assisted suicide. Illinois has become one of 13 states that is by law allowing this practice. They added this lethal practice to a measure on food sanitation and as we see over and over again there were not enough strong-minded decent legislators to stand up and block it. They try to pretty it up by calling it “aid in dying care.” They are not fooling us; they are abandoning our state to darkness.
The motivations are many. Pritzker signed it because he has this illusion of the presidency and as told to me by a connected politician, he has to play in the same sick arena with the Gavin Newsom’s and others. For some states, it is a cost saving measure. They will be paying out less in pensions. The prime motivation has to be a heart sickened by sin that sees no value in life.
For the years the Hemlock Society of America has been pushing this agenda. They see death as the compassionate relief of suffering. What is so wrong with sending Grandma to be with Jesus?
This type of thinking lacks compassion. It lacks a Godly understanding of living. A Christian’s view is radically different from the world’s view. In the world’s view, life should be free from the crosses of affliction. In the Christian’s view, life is lived under the cross. Based on the Word of God before us, let’s grow in our understanding of . . . .
“LIFE UNDER THE CROSS”
The message of the cross is that God revealed the great depth of his love for sinful people in the midst of suffering. This is foolishness to the world. They do not think that any good can come from suffering. Faith sees that the greatest of all good came from suffering.
St Paul writes in our text, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (v. 2) Do not buy into the world’s lies. Use your mind and see what is happening. Wherever this gets started it just keeps building until there is the killing of Downs Syndrome babies and people who think they might contract a disease. Life under the cross is different because of who we are – redeemed children of God. We are to “abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (vs. 9-10)
Here is quote from Forced Exit by Wesley J Smith. “I have participated in the intensely human drama that surrounds dying. I’ve witnessed the difficulties, I’ve smelled the odors, I’ve seen the unpleasant liquids which assisted suicide advocates claim make life at the end inherently undignified, horrific, and hence worthy of a death sentence. Yet, such conditions need not diminish the inherent value of human life. Dying people remain people, and when properly treated, they usually transcend the limitations of their physical conditions – especially if they know they are cared for and about.”
This is how those who live under the cross view suffering and dying. We do not see grandma’s suffering as a burden, rather we carry grandma’s burdens until Jesus sends His angels to take her home. We show our loved one love and care.
Three “life under the cross” attitudes come out in verse 12. “Rejoice in hope.” The cross give us hope. God did not spare Jesus, but gave Him up for us all. We have hope in the certainty that as long as God gives life, God gives life purpose and meaning. Christian joy is tied to the presence of this hope and not to the absence of pain and suffering.
“Patient in tribulation.” This does not mean the Christian will enjoy pain and suffering. Martin Luther once said, “affliction is the best book in my library.” Luther understood life under the cross. In the book Christ and Human Suffering, E Stanley Jones writes: “Jesus did not bear the cross – he used it! There at the cross was the deepest injustice ever done, and Jesus turns it all into a healing of injustice and sin. There men were at their worst, and through it Jesus reveals God at his best. There hate was bitterest, and Love met it and conquered it by taking it into his own heart and transforming it. The darkest hour of history becomes the lightest! The cross becomes a throne! The end – a new beginning.” Patient in tribulation, light and momentary, compared to the glory that awaits.
Lastly, “constant in prayer.” I have been in these situations both personally and professionally. While sometimes difficult, life under the cross allows us to go to our Heavenly Father. We have access to His mercy; He understands our tears and frustrations. He grants us direction and a pathway to grace for our dying loved one.
Being on the front lines, I have compassion when in the midst. But putting the person to death, before the Lord is ready is not the life under the cross answer. With the Spirit’s help we put the needs of others before our own. We have hope and patience because God’s love is at work in our suffering. We pray to a merciful and understanding God. Life under the cross – no matter what the circumstance – is life worth living!
Amen.