WHY LIFE MATTERS!

Word from the Center
Written By Dr. Gregory Seltz

WORD FROM THE CENTER:
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026
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 verses are 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. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 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.

CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE – THE FOUNDATION OF ENDURING FREEDOM!

Life, both of body and of soul, matters. Yes, there are both physical and also spiritual dimensions to life. Life can’t be reduced just to the “day to day” physical aspect of things. Your life does not merely consist of “matter in motion for a moment.” That’s a “death and taxes” level of existence and if that’s all there is, human life is ultimately purposeless and, at worst, absurd. But there’s much more to life than “death and taxes.” There’s more to life than just obtaining the most toys or having the best 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. This means there are also reasons to do the “right” thing here and now because there is an eternal reckoning to the actions and decisions one makes.

That’s why it’s always shocking to read quotes like the one below. A few years ago, amidst the depths of despair during COVID shutdowns, Harvard professor of psychology Steven Pinker tweeted a disparaging message about Christians who wanted their churches open for worship, prayer, and services. He made fun of the very core teachings that comfort, console, and motivate us, by asserting this:1

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.

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 also means that life matters now.

So much of the evil that is happening in our country is because we, as a culture, devalue the truth that life has an enduring meaning. We tell our children that humanity is a biological accident, and then expect them to act humanely. But why and how? We reduce family to time-limited relationships that have no enduring meaning. Children are no longer viewed as progeny or part of a family’s history, but as distractions to our individual goals. We’ve “given in” to our base instincts in virtually every aspect of life.

There must be something “larger than life” that makes our temporal lives matter now and Jesus here speaks to what that is. Your life as an individual matters because there is a God in heaven who created you, and a God-in-action, Jesus Christ, who saved you. Your life is important. Even more, your life, my life, and all lives matter to God. 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, and forever! Your life also makes a difference as you seek to be faithful to God and to love your neighbor in His Name.

Chuck Colson is a man who went to prison for the Watergate scandal during the Nixon administration. He later shared how the realization of the “eternality” of life and the faith transformation in his own life changed how he valued each day. 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 for what he could get out of them. To trust in Christ by faith and to believe what His Word says about the eternality of life are not “malignant delusion(s).” Instead, they provide the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and also the power of God to live purposely for others. Jesus remains the source of all that is good for you and me, especially in the midst of the uncertainties of the day.

So, live boldly with faith toward God, and live courageously in love toward your neighbor. That way of living can face the challenges of today and provide opportunities for tomorrow, and forever.

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

[1] https://www.bizpacreview.com/2020/05/26/dennis-prager-the-lockdown-evangelicals-and-the-afterlife-a-response-to-steven-pinker-925881?utm_campaign=bizpac&utm_content=Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_source=Get+Response&utm_term=EMAIL

Other Devotions
WHY LIFE MATTERS!
WHY LIFE MATTERS!

Today’s verses are 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. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 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.

THE EARTH IS HIS! AND SO ARE YOU!
THE EARTH IS HIS! AND SO ARE YOU!

Today’s verses are Exodus 19:3b-6, where the Bible says,

The LORD called to [Moses] out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

IN CHRIST….NEVER ALONE!
IN CHRIST….NEVER ALONE!

Today’s verses are Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus says,

18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE – THE FOUNDATION OF ENDURING FREEDOM!
CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE – THE FOUNDATION OF ENDURING FREEDOM!

Today’s reading is Genesis chapter one, verses 1 and 26-31, where the Bible says,

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth” …. 30….And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

ONLY LIVING WATER CAN SATISFY THIS THIRST!
ONLY LIVING WATER CAN SATISFY THIS THIRST!

 Today’s verse is John 7:37 which says,

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”

JESUS PRAYS FOR YOU? THAT’S INCREDIBLE!
JESUS PRAYS FOR YOU? THAT’S INCREDIBLE!

 Today’s verses are John 17:7-11 and 20-21, where Jesus prays these words to his and our heavenly Father:   

7 “Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one…….20 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

WITH HOPE IN CHRIST, YOU ARE READY FOR WHATEVER COMES!
WITH HOPE IN CHRIST, YOU ARE READY FOR WHATEVER COMES!

Today’s verses are 1 Peter 3:13-16, where the Bible says,   

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

WHAT A WAY TO LIVE! “FAITH LIVING” IN A “FAITH DENYING” WORLD
WHAT A WAY TO LIVE! “FAITH LIVING” IN A “FAITH DENYING” WORLD

Today’s verses are 1st Peter 2:13-17, where the Bible says,   

13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

THE ONLY SOURCE FOR ABUNDANT LIFE!
THE ONLY SOURCE FOR ABUNDANT LIFE!

Today’s verse is John 10:10, where Jesus says,   

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

HOLY HEARTBURN!
HOLY HEARTBURN!

Today’s verses are Luke 24:29b-35, where the Bible tells of these events after Jesus had walked to Emmaus with two of His followers on the evening of His resurrection:    

So, [Jesus] went in to stay with them. 30 When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

SOME QUESTIONS NEED A RISEN SAVIOR’S ANSWER!
SOME QUESTIONS NEED A RISEN SAVIOR’S ANSWER!

Today’s verse is John 20:19-31, where the Bible says,  

“Jesus said to him(thomas), “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

CHRIST’S RESURRECTION MATTERS TO YOU, TODAY AND FOREVER!
CHRIST’S RESURRECTION MATTERS TO YOU, TODAY AND FOREVER!

Today’s verses are Colossians 3:1-4, where the Bible says,  

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

THROW YOUR PALMS DOWN FOR THIS, FOR HIM!
THROW YOUR PALMS DOWN FOR THIS, FOR HIM!

Today’s verses are Philippians 2:5-11, where the Bible says,   

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

ULTIMATE CONCERNS MATTER MOST, SO WHAT’S YOURS?
ULTIMATE CONCERNS MATTER MOST, SO WHAT’S YOURS?

Today’s verses are John 11:47-50. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44), the Bible tells us this is what happened next:    

Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” 49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all!  50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

ALIVE AS CHILDREN OF HIS LIGHT!
ALIVE AS CHILDREN OF HIS LIGHT!

Today’s verses are Ephesians 5:8-9, where the Bible says,   

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).

TWO WATERS – BOTH MATTER!
TWO WATERS – BOTH MATTER!

Today’s verses are John 4:10-14, where the Bible recounts Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well.

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

GIVE TO ME STRAIGHT!
GIVE TO ME STRAIGHT!

Today’s verses are John 3:16-18, where Jesus says,

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

NOW THAT’S A TEMPTATION!
NOW THAT’S A TEMPTATION!

Today’s passage is Matthew 4:8-11 where the Bible tells us one of the ways in which the devil tempted Jesus.   

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

The Cross on my Forehead
The Cross on my Forehead

The pancakes, pączki, and pierogis still linger on my tastebuds as I walk the aisle toward the altar for the imposition of ashes. The richness of those foods recalls times of plenty—times of excess—times when I chased the wants of life instead of resting in the sufficiency of the needs God provides.

THERE’S ONLY JESUS!
THERE’S ONLY JESUS!

Today’s passage is Matthew 17:1-8, where the Bible tells us of this momentous event:    

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

CHOOSE LIFE!
CHOOSE LIFE!

Today’s verses are Deuteronomy 30:15-18a, where Moses says,   

See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish.

"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!"

We live in an age obsessed with image management. Entire industries exist to shape perception—public relations firms, branding consultants, and social media strategists whose job is to make people appear impressive.

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.”

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!’”

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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

Dr. Gregory Seltz
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