We can’t continue to say we’re pro-life…if we’re really not.

We say we’re pro-life…

We say abortion is wrong…

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We say the church needs to be a lifeline for those in need…

We say the politicians have it all wrong…

But sometimes I wonder what would happen if we as Christ-followers began to talk a lot less and do a lot more. 

What if we began to live like we’re pro-life?

What if we began to live like abortion is murder?

What if we began to be a lifeline for those in need?

What if we began to focus less on what the politicians are/are not doing and more on what we are/are not doing?

Over the past few years, these questions have been pounding away at my heart…challenging me in new ways…and breaking my heart in to a million pieces.

“What good is it to believe something if we never take action?” – James 2:14

Oftentimes, pro-life individuals are viewed as close-minded, hate-filled conservatives who struggle with kindness and understanding toward others, and while there are some groups who have rightfully earned such a description, I believe Jesus has called us to respond in a different way.

I think our response must be rooted in the realization that Jesus alone is the One who promises life. He came so we could have life – abundant life! Yes, I believe in voting pro-life, because a candidate’s stance on life will in fact impact ALL of their other policies, but we as Christians must stop waiting for the government to change the laws about human life and step up as a unified church seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a world that is desperately in need of hope…a world that is in such a depleted state…such incredible bondage that they no longer even see their need.

We were never promised that our world system would agree with us. In fact, we were promised they wouldn’t. God’s Word communicates to us that we will be in the minority…so we shouldn’t be surprised when we are, and as we seek to overwhelm today’s culture of death with a culture of life, it is so important that we do so in ways that overwhelm evil with the compassionate heart of our Creator.

What does this look like?

I believe it begins by creating a culture of life in our homes in the way we speak to our child and in the way we speak about our children. Do we respond to our little ones in ways that communicate to them how grateful we are that God intentionally placed in our family? *gulp* Do we talk about them to others in ways that tell the world that life is beautiful and parenthood is not an inconvenience…or a burden…or an interruption…but one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever known? #guilty

What about when we go out in public and someone looks at our crew and says, “You sure do have your hands full!” Do we respond with a positive comment about our children? “We have a busy house, but we are so thankful God gave us these kiddos.” or do we respond with “Yeah, lady, and that’s why we’re not having any more!” What about on social media? What are we communicating about life while interacting with others online? “Ugh! Why won’t these kids ever sleep?!” or “Susie Q threw a tantrum in the grocery store again! #susieisourbirthcontrol”  I get it…parenting is exhausting at times…frustrating in many ways…more difficult than I ever realized it would be, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with acknowledging that. However, I want my kids (and the strangers I encounter in public…and the acquaintances that see my posts on Facebook) to know that in this family, we love life.

“Children are a gift from the Lord…” -Psalm 127:3

Next, I believe it’s important to teach our children that human beings are God’s most cherished piece of artwork.  We live in a culture that consistently places the worth of creatures far above the value of human life. It takes a discerning heart to recognize the subtle way this theme is consistently woven in to the television shows, movies, books, school curriculum with which many of our children are interacting, but it’s there…and it’s warping the minds of our kids – giving them an unhealthy sensitivity toward animals and a twisted understanding of the Creator. They are being taught to worship creation…not the Creator. They are being encouraged to “Save the Planet” and “Rescue an Animal”…all while the lives of unborn babies are being obliterated.

Have you noticed the way the general public reacts when hearing that a dog has been left in a hot car…or that Fluffy the Cat has been abandoned all day without water? They become absolutely filled with rage – oftentimes going as far as to encourage legal action against the owners, and while pet owners should most definitely take responsibility for their pets, we must also remember that animals are not people. They have not been created in the image of God…but those babies in the womb? They have. How will we seek to be a voice for them?

When the world is screaming Save the whales, kill the children…When the world is idolizing their pets while human lives are being sacrificed, we can seek to find creative ways to respond with a powerful message about human life. How can we teach our children to be a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves? What about this idea? Have you ever attended a birthday party where – instead of gifts – the child is collecting donations for the humane society? While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with this idea, what if our children – instead of gifts – collected items for a local pregnancy center or city homeless shelter or nearby children’s home? What an awesome opportunity for them to be a light for God’s most esteemed creation – humans!

“God has made man in His likeness…” -Genesis 9:6

Speak LIFE.

Next (this may feel like the hard part), it’s time for us to be more involved..a lot more involved. This issue can feel like such an overwhelming concern that oftentimes we are unsure if anything we do will make a difference. I mentioned voting, and rest-assured, political parties, specific candidates, etc. will not be a topic of conversation around here, but I do feel strongly that voting life is more important that many realize – and not just in the “big elections” but in the seemingly small ones as well. However, as I said before, we can not place the blame on politicians. For far too long, we have lived “out-of-sight, out-of-mind”, and as a result, millions of lives have been lost. It’s time for us to begin praying…seriously praying…about how we as the church of Christ can take compassionate action.

Does a specific homeless shelter…or rescue ministry…or safe-house…or clinic come to mind?

Is God pressing on your heart to be involved in some way?

Is there a local life-giving center where you could give:

• time
• money
• resources
• services

Do you have a personal story or experience that could be shared to encourage others who may be walking a difficult path you’ve walked yourself? Do you have a message of forgiveness, hope, and redemption that could serve to radically change the course of someone else’s life?

Speak LIFE.

Our commitment to life should be the same, but each of our callings will be different. Why? Because we were all designed differently…with a unique plan and purpose in mind. God longs to use each one of us to impact the world in a powerful way – all He asks is that we be willing.

Are we willing to obey? Even when the calling seems BIG?

What if He asks us to adopt? “But I could never do that.”

We can’t continue to say we’re pro-life…if we’re really not.

What if He asks us to foster a group of siblings? “That just isn’t for our family.”

We can’t continue to say we’re pro-life…if we’re really not.

What if He wants to gift our family with another child…or two? “Ugh. I am SO over the newborn stage.”

We can’t continue to say we’re pro-life…if we’re really not.

You see those answers the questions above?

“But I could never do that.”

“That just isn’t for our family.”

“Ugh. I am SO over the newborn stage.”

Those comments have been made in our home. At some point or another (and probably more than once…okay, definitely more than once), we’ve said those things…all three of those things. We have been guilty of walking around with that false sense of control that I mentioned…

…but if we’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that God is ultimately in control…and the best place for us to be is resting in His plan for our lives…not in wearing ourselves out to control the details.

What if we let go of all of the ways we seek to control our lives and simply say, “God, we are open to whatever you have for our family. If you want us to continue growing our family, we are willing. If you’re leading us to adopt a child, we will do it. If you’re pressing us toward fostering a group of siblings, we would be honored.”? What if each one of us got out of the way and allowed God to begin using our families to communicate LIFE to a lost and dying world in the specific ways He’s designed for us…even if it’s in a way that seems really, really BIG?

What if God has something amazing in store, and we miss it?

So what part is God asking you to play?

Is He prompting you to quietly pray and fast for the lives that are being wiped out each day?

Is He asking to make an anonymous donation…for an amount much larger than you’ve ever considered?

Is He pricking your heart to donate those baby items you’ve been planning to sell on Craig’s List?

Is He pressing for your family to adopt a child? A child whose skin looks different than that of your other children’s? A child who has needs that scare you?

God, give us a passion to take action…give us a heart of obedience…may we communicate LIFE through the way we love others and serve them well…and in whatever ways you ask us to take action, may we be willing.