Practical Ways to Preserve Life

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.

–Hebrews 12:15

In a scene in Larry McMurtry’s novel Lonesome Dove, a hardened murderer named Blue Duck wants to gamble with a gang of cutthroats. When one of the gamblers refuses, Blue Duck shoots him without warning. One man says, “Life’s cheap up here on the . . . Canadian [River.]” Blue Duck says, “Cheap, and it might get cheaper.”

In our society, life seems to be cheap and getting cheaper. We may think we’re powerless to stem the tide of violence and the rampant devaluing of human life. But there are practical things you and I can do to preserve life and obey God’s sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13).

• If you’re experiencing violence in your home, for your sake and the sake of your children (if you have them), get out of there as soon as you can and seek help.
• If you struggle with thoughts of suicide, talk to somebody immediately, whether it’s a counselor, pastor, or friend. If you have nobody to turn to, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
• If you’re able, give your time or money to shelters that protect abused women and children, or to pro-life organizations that care for both the child and the child’s parents. Preserving life means supporting families before and after the baby is born.
• If you have elderly neighbors, make sure they have what they need for their well-being.
• If you’re harboring bitterness toward anybody, root out that bitterness. If left untreated, it will destroy you and everyone around you. Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” Ask God to help you forgive anybody who has wronged you.

Life is a precious gift from God. We are to value those who have been made in God’s image, from unborn babies to the elderly–including ourselves and the people who have wronged us. That’s what it means to preserve life.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “The Sixth Commandment: Preserve Life” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2023.

Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove (Simon and Schuster, 1985), 418.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.