Every life is precious and must be respected.

“You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19.14

One could argue that the Americans with Disabilities Act goes too far in requiring concessions in the workplace and public places for those who are physically challenged. I feel quite certain that Act could be improved, if only to lessen the grip of federal regulations on businesses and communities.

But the principle is valid: Communities and people need to pay special attention to valuing the lives of those who are physically challenged, so as to help them invest their lives in loving God and neighbor. In our text the idea of “cursing” a blind person suggests an attitude of scorn and contempt. They despise the blind who consider them a nuisance to be loathed rather than a neighbor to be loved.

We may put stumbling blocks before those with physical challenges either consciously or unconsciously. Neither is acceptable to the Lord. This statute reminds us that government is not the only source for public policies that encourage neighbor-love. The “Wounded Warrior” Project is an excellent example of private enterprise focused on helping those with physical challenges to lead meaningful, enjoyable, and productive lives.

Churches and Christian agencies have long been in the forefront of making life better and easier for those who are physically challenged. Perhaps the best-known example of such an effort is the ministry “Joni and Friends.” Churches can set public policy by example. Susie and I watched “The Hiding Place” this past weekend, which offered a wonderful reminder of the role Christians played in helping those whose only crime was to have been born with a different genetic heritage than their oppressors.

Many fine ministries and secular works exist to help those with physical challenges enjoy full and fruitful lives. Government programs – such as the excellent Maryland program for assisting autistic children, like our grandson Joe – are also worthy of Christian support. Surely when Jesus mentioned “the least of these” as being among His brethren, He must have had many such physically-challenged individuals in mind.

Neighbor-love requires that we take seriously our responsibility to pursue – by private initiative, government statute, and personal example – policies which demonstrate the love of God to those in our communities who must make their way in life under the additional burden of physical challenges.

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