Something To Think About, The Value of Human Life:

This Sunday many churches and individual Christians will take note of, and attempt to deal with an unpleasant reality in our nation, and, indeed, much of the world.  Abortion has become an integral part of our culture.  Abortion is a big business, there are those who make their living through its continued practice, and there are political and educational groups that exist to see that the "right for a woman to choose"  is not in any way diminished.  Abortion is embedded in our society.  It is not something that is forced on us.  It is a practice that we have come to accept or at least tolerate.  When I say "we" I speak of the collective voice of our culture.  There are those of us who clearly don't accept the taking of young human lives, we accept it only in the sense that we find ourselves unable to deal with it decisively.  We may be able to make the case that a majority of Americans oppose, or have serious problems with our current laws and practice concerning the life of the unborn, but still, on that level where "we the people" speak with authority, we approve. What do we do? While many, especially younger Christians, are tired of the culture war, and the divisiveness it has brought, we shouldn't remove the pro-life question from politics.  We speak most clearly when we choose those who will represent us.  We cannot act as if what a candidate believes about the protection of the life of the unborn is irrelevant.  It matters. We need to reach out with compassion and practical kindness to those who find themselves in difficult circumstances.  My extended family includes several children who were adopted instead of aborted.  A number of my friends are involved professionally, or informally, in providing care, love, and guidance to children who would otherwise be ignored.  I'm glad to say that I see friends working with at risk moms--trying to help them do the right thing--most generally, what their heart tells they ought to do, that is, decide for life over death.  We need to do more. This is a battle for the heart.  Our emphasis needs to be on persuasion rather than coercion.  Our goal is not merely to force people to do what is right, rather we should seek to make our case so that We will choose to do what is right. I'll have more to say Sunday at 8:30 & 10:55. It's STTA.