The “cut flower” society - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him.
Genesis 1:27.

The "cut flower" society
In 1944 a professor of Stanford University, U.S.A., made the following comparison:

"The great danger of our age is that we belong to a ʻcut flowerʼ society. However beautiful cut flowers are and whatever ideas we have for keeping them, they must die. They die because they have been separated from their nourishing roots." Then comes the comparison:

"We try to preserve the dignity of the individual, ignoring the fundamental belief that everyone is made in the image of God and is therefore valuable in God's sight."

This comparison in 1944 is particularly apt when we remember how the totalitarian states then offended human dignity. Quite apart from that, in the past decades many liberal states have developed into "cut flower" societies.

Belief in the Creator and the responsibility we owe Him is considered by many as outdated. But what dignity does mankind still possess, and what distinguishes him from animals, if he is no longer reckoned to be the image of God?

Our post-Christian society has surrendered the only basis that can guarantee the inviolability of man's dignity. This becomes evident in the lack of protection of unborn human life, for example, or the discussion of euthanasia.

Jesus Christ gives us this choice: being rooted firmly with Him or a "cut flower".

"I an the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered" (John 15:5.6).

Today's reading: Daniel 3:1-18 · Psalms 39:1-6