Last month, Debbie and I were blessed to welcome our seventh grandchild, whose imminent arrival is referred to in the article Designed by God. Little George’s birth brought our grandchild census to six grandsons and one granddaughter. As with the first six births, we were prepared to head to the hospital at a moment’s notice—or in my case, prepared to babysit the other grandchildren so Debbie could be present at the birth. She made it in time for George’s arrival, and I was able to greet and hold him soon thereafter.

The birth of any baby brings to mind the sanctity of human life. Ultrasounds make it possible to count fingers and toes, and even distinguish facial features many weeks ahead of birth. It was amazing to see the first 3D “photo” of our grandson some months before his birth! Indeed, when he was born, he looked just like he did in the womb, only more handsome yet.

Every human life is sacred, from the moment of conception through death. As such, it is to be valued, respected, nurtured, and protected. While medical advances can be used to that end, they have also been used for the destruction of human life. The same ultrasounds that show a perfectly formed child can show what some would view to be an imperfect child. It is important to realize that God sees no imperfect baby, whether in the womb or at birth. Every human life is highly valued by the Lord and should be by each of us. Job recognized that the same Hands that created the first man in God’s image, “. . . have made me and fashioned me together round about” (Job 10:8). To the prophet Isaiah God declared, “Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb . . .” (Isaiah 44:2). God is not only the Originator of every human life, He has a plan for each individual. The Lord revealed to the prophet Jeremiah that He had a specific plan for his life before he was even formed in the womb.

The Psalmist declared, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Therein lies the reason for existence. No mention is made of the “quality of life” we often hear of in secular society. Before a baby can speak, the miracle of birth speaks of the glory of God. As we draw our final breath, our existence still speaks of the Source of life and Author of eternal life. From the womb to the grave, may we always hold life sacred and value it as God does.