Why life matters!

Word from the Center
Written By Dr. Gregory Seltz

Welcome to “Word from The Center” MONDAY, a devotional word from the Center of our faith, Jesus Christ, with reflections on His Word. I’m Gregory Seltz. Today’s verse is Matthew 10:28-33, where Jesus says,

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[c] 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[d] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Life, body and soul…it matters. Yes, there is a physical and spiritual dimension to life. Life can’t be reduced just to the day to day physical aspects of things. Your life can’t be merely reduced to the notion that you are just “matter in motion for a moment (unless you let it).” That’s the “death and taxes” level of things and if that’s all there is, human life is at best purposeless or at worst, absurd. But, there’s more to life than “death and taxes.” There’s more to life than just having the most toys, or having the best of things this world can offer. There is a spiritual, eternal dimension to life that makes life worth living no matter what one’s circumstances are at the moment. There is a reason to do the “right” thing because there is a reckoning and an eternality to the actions and decisions that one makes and does right now.

That’s why it’s always shocking to read quotes like this. Harvard professor of psychology Steven Pinker tweeted during the COVID shut-downs, a tweet disparaging Christians who wanted their churches open for worship, prayer, and service, making fun of the very core teachings that comfort, console, and motivate us, by saying:

Belief in an afterlife is a malignant delusion, since it devalues actual lives and discourages action that would make them longer, safer, and happier. Exhibit A: What’s really behind Republicans wanting a swift reopening? Evangelicals. [1]

Respectfully, he misses the whole point. Those of us who believe in the afterlife realize that Jesus words to “fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell,” compel us to value life even more here and now. Why? Because the fact that life matters eternally means that life matters now. So much of the evil that is happening in our country is because we, as a culture, devalue life as having any enduring meaning. We tell our children that humanity is a biological accident (and then tell them to act humanely, why? How?), we reduce family to time-limited relationships that have no enduring meaning, children are no longer progeny or part of a family’s history, they are distractions to our individual goals. We’ve “given in” to our base instincts in virtually every aspect of life (which is exactly what the “one who can kill the body and soul” desires). There must be something “larger than life” that makes our temporal lives matter now….and Jesus speaks to what that is. Because there is a God in heaven who created you, and a God in action, Jesus Christ, who saved you….Your life as an individual, matters. Your life is important. Even more, your life, my life, all of life matters to God. Your life matters as you seek to be faithful to God and to love your neighbor in His Name. Your life matters to Jesus and he yearns to be your “acknowledger” before the eternal throne of the Father in heaven! That makes a difference today, tomorrow, forever!

Chuck Colson, a man who went to prison for the Watergate scandal of the Nixon administration shared later how the realization of the “eternality” of his life and the faith transformation of his life, changed how he valued each day of his life. He went from being a “hatchet man” who saw politics as the end all of life with little else of value, to one who saw the fullness of life and its eternal purpose NOW even in suffering, that changed the way he lived each day. It changed how he saw others. It changed how he gave of himself to what mattered. It changed how he risked loving and caring for people just because they were brought into his life, rather than caring for them for what he could get out of them. To trust in Christ by faith and to trust in His word about the eternality of life, it is not some “malignant delusion,” it is the power of God for salvation and the power of God to live purposely in this life for others. It’s the source of all that is good for you and me, even in the midst of the uncertainties of the day. Live boldly in faith towards God, and live courageously in love towards your neighbor. That’s way of living can face the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow, forever.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, give us courage to live boldly by faith and courageously in love towards others so that we can be useful in your hands to caring for those in need, especially now,  AMEN.

See Also
Chilling to the Bone
Chilling to the Bone

"We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism." Thus far Mamdani, whose words are chilling to the bone. Now we might counter that rugged individualism is a whole lot better than collectivism, and we'd be right. Collectivism means you lose your identity, you become a number, a statistic, a victim, and a ward of the state that cares not a whit about you.

 Collectivism has the warmth of a Siberian gulag, a dark North Korean night. The fact that Mamdani can get away with such rhetoric, even after Communism has taken the lives of tens of millions of people, is frustrating.

February 2026 Prayer Partner Thursday
February 2026 Prayer Partner Thursday

Prayer Partner Thursday provides a month-long prayer emphasis in one of the four Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty areas of emphasis: Religious Liberty, Sanctity of Life, Educational Freedom, and Marriage as an Institution (family).

"Called by God, to boast in Him"
"Called by God, to boast in Him"

Today’s passage is from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, where the Bible says….
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong; God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things of the world to nullify the things that are, so that no one can boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Jesus Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption, therefore as it is written; "let him who boasts, boast in the Lord!"

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The Blessings of Success and Power
The Blessings of Success and Power

What's a blessing, and what's a curse? When it comes to earthly matters, it's often not clear. Success can be a killer, especially when it comes with fame. Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, for sure, and a whole host of late 60s heroes who died at the age of 27. The Beatles benefited from being four, so were less susceptible to lackeys.

THE GIFT HE BRINGS!
THE GIFT HE BRINGS!

Today’s verse is Matthew 4:17, where the Bible says,   

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Demanding Your Highest Allegiance
Demanding Your Highest Allegiance

There is no trouble too large for the government to solve, no concern too small for it to care about. Such words might be spoken of God, for whom nothing is impossible. Have you trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged. What a friend we have in Mamdani?

February 2026 Bulletin Insert
February 2026 Bulletin Insert

The Bulletin Insert is designed to be printed and cut in half to fit conveniently inside a Sunday worship bulletin. Each month an insert will offer insight, encouragement, and information from the LCRL on the topics of Religious Liberty, Life, Marriage, or Education.

February 2026 Bulletin Blurbs
February 2026 Bulletin Blurbs

The dates identifying the LCRL bulletin blurbs are only suggestions. Please feel free to use any and all of the bulletin blurbs as your ministry needs allow.

SIMPLE. POWERFUL. STRAIGHT TALK FOR YOUR HEART AND SOUL.
SIMPLE. POWERFUL. STRAIGHT TALK FOR YOUR HEART AND SOUL.

Today’s verse is John 1:29 which tells us of this encounter between John the Baptist and Jesus:

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”

Luther’s “Wise Turk” Quote That He Didn’t Say
Luther’s “Wise Turk” Quote That He Didn’t Say

We are hearing more and more that famous quotation from Martin Luther: “I’d rather be ruled by a wise Turk than by a foolish Christian.”  The problem is, no one has been able to find that famous quotation in any of the voluminous works of Luther.  It appears that the quotation is apocryphal.  I suspect it may have originated as an attempt to explain the implications of Luther’s doctrine of the Two Kingdoms, as in, “Luther would have rather been ruled by a wise Turk. . .” which then was recalled as “Luther said he would rather have been. . . .” Read more from Dr. Gene Edward Veith here.

INTO OUR TROUBLED WATERS!
INTO OUR TROUBLED WATERS!

Today’s passage is Matthew 3:13-17, where the Bible says,

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

2026: Restoring Faith, Realizing Protections
2026: Restoring Faith, Realizing Protections

As 2025 ends, as faithful Lutherans, there is much to be thankful for as we have seen many positive developments for faith and freedom.

Pregnancy resource centers are booming while Planned Parenthood clinics are closing their doors. It looks like we are beginning to see a spiritual revival among young adults as they reject the emptiness of the culture they see around them. And several states have passed common-sense age verification laws, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, to protect innocent children from accessing graphic pornography online.

So, what is ahead for 2026? What policy advancements can we make to continue this positive momentum back towards faith and freedom?

NEW YEAR’S/NEW LIFE PRIORITIES!
NEW YEAR’S/NEW LIFE PRIORITIES!

Today’s passage is Luke 2:41-50, where the Bible says,

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions…. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Dark Days in Illinois
Dark Days in Illinois

Today is a dark day in the history of Illinois. Governor Pritzker—of whom every LCMS pastor in Illinois prays for each week and will continue to do so—signed into law . . . the “End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act,” granting terminally ill patients who have received a prognosis of six-months to live or less the ability to receive a pill in order to end their own lives.

January 2026 Prayer Partner Thursday
January 2026 Prayer Partner Thursday

Prayer Partner Thursday provides a month-long prayer emphasis in one of the four Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty areas of emphasis: Religious Liberty, Sanctity of Life, Educational Freedom, and Marriage as an Institution (family).

SALVATION? A “Just in Time, at This Place” Salvation for You!
SALVATION? A “Just in Time, at This Place” Salvation for You!

Today’s verses are Galatians 4:4-7, where the Bible says,

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

Throwback: Nothing Can Overpower the Persevering Blessing of Christmas
Throwback: Nothing Can Overpower the Persevering Blessing of Christmas

A blessed Christmas to all of you “for today (many years ago) in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12). The life, death and resurrection of Jesus came as a blessing to the world even though the world didn’t deserve it and, even worse, was unreceptive to receiving Him as the gift that He was for them (see John 1:10-13).

“GOD WITH US” – DON’T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!
“GOD WITH US” – DON’T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!

Today’s verses are Isaiah 35:3-4, where the Bible declares:

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

We Are Slaves of Christ
We Are Slaves of Christ

We are slaves of Christ, but earthly slavery is not a good thing. Slavery is an institution of the fallen world. I am led to understand that even today there are fifty million people living as the property of others. I'm not sure what would happen if we added to that number those enslaved in various systems like North Korea. But bonds and fetters are not to be celebrated or commended, and if someone might say that it is a good thing, I have never seen anyone volunteer to be on slavery's receiving end. This is not to be a Pollyanna or to hide our heads in the sand. Throughout history, when one nation has conquered another, slavery has resulted. There will always be wars and rumors of wars, and life is messy. And yet slavery is not a good thing. And we can say so without losing sight of the fact that we as Christians are slaves of God, even as we are His children.

January 2026 Bulletin Blurbs
January 2026 Bulletin Blurbs

The dates identifying the LCRL bulletin blurbs are only suggestions. Please feel free to use any and all of the bulletin blurbs as your ministry needs allow.

January 2026 Bulletin Insert
January 2026 Bulletin Insert

The Bulletin Insert is designed to be printed and cut in half to fit conveniently inside a Sunday worship bulletin. Each month an insert will offer insight, encouragement, and information from the LCRL on the topics of Religious Liberty, Life, Marriage, or Education.

THE TRUE GOD COMES FOR HIS PEOPLE!
THE TRUE GOD COMES FOR HIS PEOPLE!

Today’s verses are Isaiah 35:3-4, where the Bible declares:

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

40 Days for Life
40 Days for Life

[Weeks ago], a group from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, gathered on the sidewalk that runs by the local Planned Parenthood. There were perhaps 15 of us in all, but what a mighty and faith-filled people. A young couple, a father with three or four little ones in tow, a student from Germany, another from Australia.

 

What of it? Things change, and prayers are answered. Just as few predicted the fall of the Soviet Union and the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, we were supposed to think that Roe v. Wade was set in stone, a law surer than the Ten Commandments. Stare decisis, we heard ad nauseam. But in step six wise and courageous judges, and we got the Dobbs decision. Now, that didn't happen by accident. It was a matter of persistent. Persistent prayer, persistent marching, persistent lobbying and electioneering. Why bother? 60 million little ones who have lost their lives. And still counting.

REPENT? DOES ANYONE DO THAT ANYMORE TODAY?
REPENT? DOES ANYONE DO THAT ANYMORE TODAY?

Today’s passage is Matthew 3:1-2, where the Bible says,   

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

From Throwing Rocks to Linking Arms
From Throwing Rocks to Linking Arms

America has changed dramatically since the 1950s and 1960s. Back then, in the years after World War II, it was a halcyon time for religion in this country. Christianity was assumed in society; it was the default setting. Christians were denominationally focused; fights largely occurred within the faith. Now, the threat comes not only from within but also from without, from secularists and zealots determined to belittle Christianity and, if it were possible, bring about its downfall.

The times we live in call for a different mentality and a different strategy. They call for Christians of all stripes to band together to fight an enemy that seeks to curtail our influence in society and even — it’s hard to avoid this conclusion — completely silence our voice in the civic sphere.

December 2025 Prayer Partner Thursday
December 2025 Prayer Partner Thursday

Prayer Partner Thursday provides a month-long prayer emphasis in one of the four Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty areas of emphasis: Religious Liberty, Sanctity of Life, Educational Freedom, and Marriage as an Institution (family).

A THANKSGIVING LIFE SPREADS GOD’S JOY AROUND!
A THANKSGIVING LIFE SPREADS GOD’S JOY AROUND!

Today’s Bible reading is Philippians 4:4-6 where the Apostle Paul says,

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

In Defense of Giving Thanks
In Defense of Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving takes a lot of flak these days. Christmas haters are called “Scrooges” or “Grinches,” but haters of Thanksgiving are considered socially conscious and realistic. For many Americans, the fourth Thursday in November is an annoying holiday with racist origins — an excuse to force innocent citizens to gorge on poorly prepared, outdated foods while fraternizing with uncongenial relatives. It is, moreover, a day of hypocritical tension between trite demands to “be grateful” versus a Black Friday rush through the mall. Dismissively labeled “T-day” on social media, Thanksgiving is becoming mere no-man’s-land stuck between the two towers of Halloween and Christmas.

AN “ALL THINGS FOR ALL PEOPLE” SAVIOR – THERE’S ONLY ONE!
AN “ALL THINGS FOR ALL PEOPLE” SAVIOR – THERE’S ONLY ONE!

Today’s reading is Colossians 1:17-20 where the Bible says this of Jesus Christ:    

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross

Thanksgiving by Presidential Proclamation?
Thanksgiving by Presidential Proclamation?

Thanksgiving worship services, held at the request of the government, seem strange in modern America. Some American Lutherans have wondered if this is appropriate. Our government allows the murder of babies. How can its leaders ask us to pray and give thanks? Others have questioned whether or not the annual request itself is a violation of the separation of Church and State, and still others have suggested that it might be a misunderstanding of the two kingdoms.

Dr. Gregory Seltz
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