God created the world. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). The truth of this statement sets our lives into a context. We are living within God’s story. This is His planet, and our lives belong to Him (Ps. 24:1), even if we do not realize it, or are not willing to admit it.

Since god created the world and everything in it, and since He created people with innate value, patterning us after Himself (in His image), then it follows, we should live our lives consistent with this reality.

In particular, we should worship God, our Creator, realizing this is the purpose of our existence.

We should also treat other people with respect and dignity, since they possess value as  image-bearers of God. People are not numbers, or means to our own selfish ends. It does not matter their race, age, gender, life choices, or past, if they are human, they have intrinsic value, having been created by God.

On the other hand, if God did not create the world, then our existence is a natural anomaly, and thus worthless. In such a world, believing in the inherent dignity of other human beings is a waste of time, and quite dishonest.

If this world does not belong to God, if it is nothing but a cosmic accident, then you can toss in the can meaning, purpose, morality, and hope. None of these are logically possible if the story excludes our Creator.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The truth of this statement changes everything in our lives individually, and collectively.