128: Q. In what respect are all men equal?

 

Have you ever wondered what it means to be truly equal? In our world, people often talk about equality in terms of wealth, status, or rights. But there is a deeper, more profound sense of equality that goes beyond what we can see or measure. It’s about who we are at our very core as human beings. This equality is something that everyone shares, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they do.

The Baltimore Catechism answers a question about this kind of equality:

Question 128: In what respect are all men equal?

Answer: "All men are equal in whatever is necessary for their nature and end. They are all composed of a body and soul; they are all created in the image and likeness of God; they are all gifted with understanding and free will; and they have all been created for the same end—God."

Let's break this down in a way that’s easy to understand and see why this is such an important and inspiring truth.

1. We All Have a Body and a Soul

Every single person, from the moment they are conceived in their mother’s womb, has a body and a soul. This means that we are not just physical beings like plants or animals. Our bodies allow us to interact with the world around us—through seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and moving. But our soul is what makes us truly human. It is the part of us that thinks, loves, and makes choices. Our soul is where our deepest feelings, dreams, and thoughts come from.

No matter what a person looks like, no matter their age, race, or abilities, every person has both a body and a soul. This is why each and every one of us is valuable and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

2. We Are All Created in the Image and Likeness of God

This is a powerful statement! To be created in the image and likeness of God means that there is something in us that reflects who God is. Think of it like a child who resembles their parents—they might have their mother’s eyes or their father’s smile. In a similar way, we have qualities that reflect God’s nature.

• Our Ability to Love: Just as God is love, we are capable of loving others deeply. We can care for our family, friends, and even strangers. This love is a glimpse of God’s own love.
• Our Ability to Think and Choose: We have minds that can think and understand, and we can make choices freely. We are not just driven by instinct like animals. This ability to reason and choose reflects God’s wisdom and freedom.
• Our Desire for Goodness: We all have a sense of right and wrong. When we do good, we feel peace and happiness. This longing for goodness is a sign that we are created in God’s image, who is all-good.

3. We All Have the Gift of Understanding and Free Will

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is our mind and our will.

• Understanding: This is our ability to learn, to think, and to know the truth. We can learn about the world, about ourselves, and about God. We can use our minds to solve problems, create things, and understand others.

• Free Will: This is our ability to make choices. Unlike animals, who act mostly on instinct, we can choose what we do. We can decide to do good or bad, to be kind or unkind, to follow God or turn away from Him. This freedom is a great gift, but it also comes with responsibility. We are called to use our freedom to choose what is good and right.

These gifts of understanding and free will show that we are made for something more than just living day-to-day. We are made to know the truth, to seek what is good, and to live in a way that brings us closer to God and to each other.

4. We Are All Created for the Same End—God

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all share the same ultimate purpose: to be with God forever. This is the deepest equality we have. God created each of us out of love, and He wants us to be with Him for all eternity. Our life on earth is a journey toward that ultimate goal.

• Living with Purpose: Knowing that we are all created for God gives our lives meaning. It helps us to see that each person we meet, no matter how different they might seem, is on the same journey as we are. We are all brothers and sisters, helping each other to reach our final home with God.

• Facing Challenges Together: When we understand that we are all equal in God’s eyes, it helps us to face challenges with hope and courage. We may go through difficult times, but we are never alone. God is with us, and we can support one another along the way.

Why Is This Understanding of Equality So Important?

1. It Teaches Us to Respect Everyone: When we know that every person is created in God’s image and has a soul, we see them differently. We are less likely to judge people by their appearance, their wealth, or their abilities. Instead, we see their true worth and treat them with kindness and respect.

2. It Brings Us Closer to God: Recognizing that we are all created for God helps us to focus on what really matters in life. We learn to love God and others more deeply, knowing that this is the purpose of our existence.

3. It Inspires Us to Make the World Better: When we understand true equality, we are motivated to fight against injustice and to help those in need. We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and to fulfill their God-given purpose.

Living Out This Truth in Our Daily Lives

So, how can we live out this understanding of equality in our everyday lives? Here are some practical ways:

• Be Kind to Everyone: Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a stranger, treat everyone with kindness and respect. Remember that they are made in God’s image, just like you.

• Help Those in Need: If you see someone struggling, offer your help. It could be something small, like sharing a meal or offering a listening ear. Every act of love reflects God’s love.

• Pray for Others: Pray for those who are suffering, for those who don’t know God, and for those who are trying to do good in the world. Your prayers can make a big difference.

• Forgive and Let Go of Anger: If someone has hurt you, try to forgive them. Remember that we are all on a journey, and we all make mistakes. Forgiving others brings peace to your heart and helps you grow closer to God.

• Share God’s Love: Talk to others about the love of God. You don’t need to be a preacher—just share your own experiences of how God has worked in your life. Your story can inspire others to seek God too.

Conclusion: We Are All Equal in God's Eyes

No matter where we come from, what we have, or what we’ve done, we are all equal in the things that truly matter. We are all made in God’s image, we all have a body and soul, and we are all created for the same ultimate purpose—to be with God forever. This understanding of equality is not just an idea; it’s a way of life that can transform our hearts and our world.

Let us live each day with this truth in mind, treating everyone we meet with love and respect, and striving to fulfill our own purpose of knowing, loving, and serving God. In doing so, we become the people God created us to be, and we help others to do the same. May God bless you as you journey toward Him, knowing that you are deeply loved and that your life has infinite value!