Am I really FOR life, or just pretending?
There are thousands, perhaps millions of Americans who would proudly say, “I am FOR life,” meaning “I SUPPORT life!” The writer of the letter of James contends that “faith without works is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17). If I claim to support life at all stages of development, my choices and use of resources will either lend credibility to my claim, or prove it to be empty words. What are ways I can tangibly support LIFE and prove my commitment is genuine?
Pray. Jesus clearly told his disciples, “…without me, ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) We may have a small amount of influence for LIFE in our own strength and using our own arguments and ability. But lasting, eternal effect will only come as a result of a complete dependence upon Jesus. So, pray for babies in the womb to be protected from abortion. Pray for mothers and fathers of babies in the womb to accept responsibility for their union, and to have the character and faith to nurture their babies. Pray for people who serve in pregnancy care centers, offer ultra-sounds and other material/emotional/financial/spiritual support. Pray for legislators and judges to support precious human life at all stages.
Give. Again, the words of Jesus to his disciples, “…freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) We have received the gift of LIFE! We should do all in our power to ensure others have the gift of LIFE. Give time. Give counsel. Give money. Give help. This may be as simple as writing a check to fund a pregnancy center or help a couple with the cost of adoption. This may be as complicated as opening your home to a woman experiencing a crisis pregnancy. At any rate, believers in Jesus Christ who claim to be FOR life aren’t really committed to life unless they are sharing their own resources to SUPPORT life.
Speak Up. In Matthew 10:27, Jesus again charged his disciples to speak openly what he taught them. Hear what the Bible has to say about life. Study what science is able to show us about life and death. Observe what effect abortion and euthanasia has on our society. Then, prayerfully speak boldly for truth at every opportunity. Ask God to arrange your path to cross with those who need to be reminded of the sanctity of human life. And be prepared to speak up clearly and lovingly.
Choose Life. When faced with a personal decision about an unplanned pregnancy (either for yourself and your mate, or perhaps for your son or daughter), choose life. If your doctor recommends “terminating your pregnancy,” choose life. If you or someone you love suffers from a chronic disability or disease, choose life. When faced with challenges of elderly loved ones, choose life. Demonstrate your commitment to God as the Giver of life—trust HIM to determine the duration and difficulty of each stage of life.
Am I really FOR life, or just pretending? My choices prove what I am truly “FOR.”
Carole Vawter
Secretary, Baptists for Life of Wisconsin Board