Thou Shalt Not Kill

There are murders being committed almost every minute in every country around the world today! The sixth commandment from God literally means ‘you shall not murder.’ Although murder is killing, not all killing is murder, such as; killing during war time to defend a nation, accidental killing, self-defense, and capital punishment. However, there are killings that are premeditated or intentionally taking another human life. The first act of murder was committed by Cain when he deliberately slew his brother, Abel (Gen 4:8). Since that day the world is marked by a constant string of murders! Other examples of murder include abortion (Prov 6:17), euthanasia or assisted killing (Ps 31:15), and suicide, which is a very selfish way to leave this world (Mt 10:31).

When people resort to murdering themselves, they are failing to avail God’s amazing grace (2 Cor 12:9); and are refusing to allow Him to provide the peace (Php 4:7), and guidance (Ps 32:8), that they desperately need! “God created man in His own image” (Gen 1:27), with a “spirit and soul and body” (1 Thes 5:23). The lies of evolution teach that man evolved from an animal (2 Pet 3:5). When people embrace this lie (Prov 12:22), then they would merely view others as higher forms of beings that can be easily disposed of like animals. Instead of someone who was “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14), by the Almighty God! His divine sovereignty “hath determined the times before appointed” (Acts 17:26).

He alone controls our entrance into life (Ps 22:10), and He alone controls our exit (Job 14:5), or our appointed time of death (Heb 9:27). There are certain things that people can do to shorten their days (Ecc 7:17). On the other hand, we are given the privilege to prolong our days through obedience and “the fear of the Lord” (Prov 10:27). But these are all subject to God’s will (Isa 55:8) – He gives life, and He alone will take it (1 Sam 2:6). No one has the right to purposely take someone else’s life and assume God’s authority and power! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera