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This past week was the March for Life. It was not covered largely by the media, but that does not downplay its importance. It is something you should know about, and certainly something you should care about. Hundreds of thousands gathered to march, advocating for the rights of men and women alike, advocating for the rights of those who might not ever have the chance to develop the vocal chords it takes to do so for themselves.
It is the movement that champions life at every stage of existence. From the embryo to the end, pro-lifers believe that life has inherent dignity and value.
There are a lot of reasons you should care.
Primarily , because you are alive because your mom chose not to have an abortion. If you were born after 1973, your mother had the legal right to end your life in the womb, and she chose not to. You should care because though you have surely inconvenienced your mom throughout the course of your existence, the thought of you didn’t move her to prevent the labors and pains you would bring about.
Secondly (or maybe firstly), you should care because God cares. If you are reading this and you do not know God, or even more, if you do not believe in God, don’t ignore what I am going to say. Every human on earth past, every human on earth present, and every embryo currently in utero was made in the Image of God. This means that all people are uniquely created with purpose.
Every person has the potential to reflect the character of God and be His ambassador of love and truth to the world. This means that whether you believe in God or not, you were created with qualities and characteristics that mirror His own. Though we are all created with touches of His character and a God-ordained purpose, we do not all live in it. (See also the men and women who are wicked, unhappy, wealthy and depressed, purposeless, lost, etc.) However, your response to God, or lack thereof, does not undermine the fact that you have undeniable rights and unarguable value.
Thirdly , because though many of our fellow humans disagree, there is overwhelming philosophical and scientific evidence that human life begins at conception. This, my friends, means that human life begins the moment his sperm meets her egg.
Here is a great way to understand the science and have the conversation. Not to convince your friends, but rather to give them something to think about. The following is borrowed from Scott Klusendorf, a leading apologist for life. Using the acronym SLED, you can be equipped to show that there is nothing that suggests that a life inside the womb, at any stage, has less value than a life outside. This is not a conclusive argument, but it’s a really good start.
Is a short person less valuable than a tall person? Why then would the size of the human in the womb determine its value? True, embryos are smaller than newborns and adults, but why is that relevant? Do we really want to say that large people are more valuable than small ones? Men are generally larger than women, but that doesn’t mean they deserve more rights. Size doesn’t equal value.
Is an infant less valuable than a 2-year-old? How about a 4-year-old who can’t read versus a 40-year-old? True, embryos and fetuses are less developed than you and I. But again, why is this relevant? Four-year-old girls are less developed than 14-year-old ones. Should older children have more rights than their younger siblings?
Is someone from South Dakota less valuable than someone from Texas? Is someone living in the Congan jungle less valuable than someone living in Beverly Hills? Where you are has no bearing on who you are. Does your value change when you cross the street or roll over in bed? If not, how can a journey of eight inches down the birth-canal suddenly change the essential nature of the unborn from non-human to human? If the unborn are not already valuable human beings, merely changing their location can’t make them so.
Is an infant, totally dependent on its parents’ care and provision, less valuable than a 12-year-old who can feed and clothe themselves? Is someone with a broken ankle and reliant on crutches less valuable than an Olympic track athlete? If self-sustaining viability bestows human value, then all those who depend on insulin or kidney medication are not valuable and we may kill them. In short, although humans differ immensely with respect to talents, accomplishments, and degrees of development, they are nonetheless equal (and valuable) because they all have the same human nature.
The answer to those questions is “no”. Therefore, one can believe that a single cell, complete with the entire genetic code to create a baby, then a boy, then a grown man, is indeed a life, worthy of living and worthy of protection.
For a more in-depth and eloquent argument, see:
http://prolifetraining.com/resources/five-bad-ways/
First , Christian, you can be just that. A follower-of-Christ. Know first that you are fully loved by the One who gives you worth. Then, in response to the fullness of love that you are shown, love others unapologetically. Remember this order though.
Your own ability to love others, especially those different from you, especially those who think you’re ridiculous, will run out, leaving you feeling ashamed and disappointed that you could not muster enough to supernaturally love them. Don’t project this shame or disappointment on God either. He looks down on you with love still, with compassion, not mad that you in your finite state couldn’t produce His supernatural love. He looks down and mourns the fact that you did not allow the Spirit in you to lead and guide you, therefore forsaking the joy and peace and love that would have been yours as a result. The Scriptures do not joke when they say:
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
“The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing” (Proverbs 10:28)
“How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust” (Psalm 40:4)
“Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7)
Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” - John 10:10
There is a theme to observe here – joy, blessing, refreshment, peace, and life follow a person who is in right relationship with God.
It is said that politics is downstream of culture, meaning that when the culture changes, so will our politics. So don’t fear that you can’t argue before the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. In fact, rejoice, because I doubt any of us could argue sufficiently. Yet, love unapologetically. Serve your coworkers, your neighbors and your family, be bold in conversations, put rocks in people’s shoe. Be quick to ask for forgiveness; humble yourself often. Know God, be honest with God, know the promises of His word and the depths of His love. The transformation in your life will start here. And when the Church begins to stand out like the Church was intended to, the world will respond. The church is the hope of the world. One cannot ignore the power of the Body’s love and ministry. The people will see your love and want to know your God. Politics will change as culture will change, because the people will change.
Second , you can engage culture at every turn. Be conversant, be winsome, be first and foremost humble and loving. Do not shy away from co-workers or friends who disagree with you. These are the very people you should pray for and initiate with. We are on the right side of this argument. Though the mainstream media and culture quite proudly disagrees, if something is true, then no amount of scrutiny or screaming will prove it otherwise. Check out this RTRQ for a 5-minute video on how to talk about abortion.
Third , be generous with your time and money. Invest in groups that are actively advocating for life. Share your story. Volunteer at a pregnancy resource center. Ask the Lord what He wants you to do. To read the story of others or share your own: https://standforlife.org/
Fourth , pray. For men and women in this nation and around the world, that there would be a revival in their hearts. For the church, that there would be revival in their pews. Remember that God wants to know you, and He wants you to know Him. He seeks the transformation of your heart, the transformation of “his” heart, “her" heart and even “their" heart. God does not need us to pass legislation to end abortion, though that is absolutely a worthy goal. He does aim to use the Church to reach humanity. He cares infinitely about every single life, and rest assured that He WILL do something about it one day.
In the meantime, let’s get busy. Let’s have the conversation.
Is abortion part of your story? We love you and would love to know you and care for you. Check out Someone Cares (for women) or Forgotten Fathers (for men).
Considering abortion? We love you and would love to know you and care for you. Please reach out to us at theporch@watermark.org