Picture Paul example essay topic

In the recent years there has been a particular case that has brought the minds of Christians as well as non-believers alike to examine the importance of a person's life. Apart from the ongoing debate regarding abortion as a criminal act or a womanly right, there has been another issue that has been dormant in this nation that some would argue causes the same weight as that of abortion. Euthanasia is defined in Webster's dictionary as "the act or method of causing death painlessly, so as to end suffering; advocated by some as a way to deal with persons dying of incurable, painful diseases". The only difference between this definition and that of "murder" is that euthanasia is a legal course, prompted by pre-disposed criteria. Are we at liberty or right, regardless of the circumstance, to willingly take a godly role, and advocate an ungodly act? One of the problems I find in Western American Society is the notion that everything is given to us when and how we want it.

We (and for arguments sake, let's include Christians in here) have moved away from the "patiently-waiting" to the "eagerly-desperate" lifestyles more commonly known as "Fast Food". In a world of credit cards, EZ Pass, Gasoline Quick Scans (mechanisms of the sort), French Fries, ATM's, etc., it is easy for us to comprehend how even our spiritual views on many issues have taken the same approach that our hectic and fast-paced lives have evolved to. It should be of no surprise that if God made the importance of life and it's preservation one of the commandments (Thou Shalt Not Kill, Exodus 20: 13 KJV), than it is clear that though the situation may (to some) merit this act, God would have already handled it as well. I can more easily comprehend this possibility by the life and ministry of Jesus.

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told the disciples that they would do greater things. By looking at Jesus' ministry, we see that he had the power and authority [given to him by God] to heal the sick and raise the dead. This being said, I'll argue that the problem at hand is not merely the incorrect belief that euthanasia is circumstance-driven excuse to end the life of a person due to their physical condition. To me, the greater picture lies deeper within the fabric of society. It is written in the bible that without faith it is impossible to please God. The dilemma at hand is the lack of faith that has crept its way into the hearts.

In Galatians, we read of a moment in which Paul pleads for God to remove a "thorn" that was in his side. We can attribute the word "thorn" with many things. To generalize it, let us say that the thorn was that one thing that was causing Paul so much pain and discomfort that he felt that he could no longer physically or emotionally endure with it. He makes one plea to God. Some may see this as Paul asking God due to his faith in God's ability to do it, but I will present it to you in a different light. Picture Paul, if you may.

Paul is said to be one of the greatest men in the Bible. Once a man that persecuted Christians: now one that would go to the ends of the earth to spread the gospel. Many say that had it not been for Paul, this would probably not been evangelized, nor would Christianity be as vast as it is today. Paul, a man of great wisdom in regards to God and spiritual things displays a sign of weakness. Not only was Paul pleading to God to remove the thorn from side, but also I'll argue that he was simultaneously and indirectly admitting that he didn't [at least not initially] believe God can help him through the struggle.

God's response is one of my favorite scriptures is the bible. "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12: 9 KJV) God never agreed that he would take away the thorn that was impeding Paul's walk. God merely took the stance we can more clearly define in the poem "Footprints".

In those times in which we think that we can no longer continue, God steps in and demonstrates that through the darkest hour he is still Lord and King. It is the failure to apply this truth to our lives that has permitted the views of many to gradually move to the support the doctor assisted killing of the terminally ill. It is of no surprise then that the support of Euthanasia springs from the downward evolution of society's moral standard. It is the constant declination of values that has driven this nation into a death culture.

Will we side with a people that give no regard or value to the preservation of life? We are all part of one body. Some are legs and some are arms. Some are feet and some are hands. But we must remember that ultimately, God is the head.

He decides what to do with our lives. He is in control. He is God.

Bibliography

Gray, Stephan is. "Massey survey shows support for euthanasia". Massey University. 31 March 2005.