Reverence for Life

Scripture reading

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

–Ephesians 4:1-2

Thought of the Day

I am currently reading about Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Dr. Schweitzer was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the jungles of Africa and his tireless determination to make a difference in the world. He was a musician, a philosopher, a physician, a missionary and a theologian. Dr. Schweitzer developed over the years the formation of a philosophy about the essence and meaning of life. In his autobiography, he writes of how on a slow and difficult journey on an African river a phrase flashed upon his mind. It was unforeseen and unsought he reflects back. That phrase was, “Reverence for Life.” He became known for this thought. Dr. Schweitzer spent the rest of his life defining and living with a reverence for life. He felt like too many people go through life without thinking about its meaning and value. He viewed life as an amazing gift that needed to be treasured and respected. Only then could it be raised to its true value. In Dr. Schweitzer’s case, his reverence for life included not only his life, but also his life with God and others, along with his existence in nature and the world.

What about you? How is your reverence for life? How is your respect for God and others? How about nature and the world around you? Can you make Dr. Schweitzer’s words for living, your words for living? Let’s try it.

Prayer

Lord, Thank You for this amazing gift of life. Amen.

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