Is It Time Yet? – A Look at Pro-Life Activism and the Protection of Life
Rev. Robert Fleischmann, Christian Life Resources National Director
I have adapted an old saying to pro-life work: being a pro-life activist is like watching a football game – with 22 men on the field in desperate need of rest, and 75,000 people in the stands in desperate need of exercise!
I became interested in this type of work, because I was shocked at the callousness of the way the world treats life. As I once held my children in my arms and now hold my grandchildren, I see their complete dependency in their care from others. Not to care for them would be cruel and would cheat them out of the close attention and love I received from my own parents.
What about you? Have you read about abortion, lamented that it is happening, or gasped at the numbers but then moved on to something else? What does it take to feel compelled to do something?
The cause to protect life is not an act of penance. If abortion was a part of your past, any work you might want to do to stop abortion today cannot change the reality of what happened. As an act of penance it is inadequate.
The cause to protect life is not something you do to get on God’s “good side.” He is not fazed by acts of chivalry and braveness. He could with a single word do anything it would take years for you to accomplish – just think about Peter after the Garden of Gethsemane ear incident!
The cause to protect life is rooted in what happened in our own lives. Scripture tells us, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Christian living involves the maturing of a vertical relationship with God. It is a growing realization in knowing what it means to be a “lost and condemned creature” because of sin and yet be redeemed by God Himself through the gift of His own Son.
There are many troubling causes in this world. Few, however, have the finality of abortion. We can repay stolen money and apologize for a harsh word. We cannot put life back together from the dismembered remains after an abortion.
We speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves: not to earn God’s favor but because of God’s favor for us in Christ. We love because He first loved us. A heightened concern for the endangered child and those involved with the abortion decision is rooted in our concern to do the things of God, show love to others, and obey His will.
If you have gone years with little involvement, consider what has been done for you. Each time you speak up for those who speak for themselves, each time you walk the extra mile, support the cause of caring for life, and each time you step in to give a break to the 22 players on the field, you reflect a love that God bestows on you and all people. It is time to step forward – now!
