Today is Sanctity of Human Life Day, the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. Since 1972, it is estimated that 62,502,904 babies have been aborted. In his last message to the Israelites, Moses reiterated the importance of following and obeying God. He concluded by setting before Israel a clear choice between life and death, blessing and cursing. We, too, have that choice before us (Deuteronomy 30:19). When we choose death rather than life, we receive curses rather than blessings.
Missed Blessings
Many children are aborted simply because they are unwanted. Perhaps others are aborted because of a high probability of birth defects, making them difficult to care for. In some cases, the thought of having a child may be an overwhelming burden. But even in the most difficult circumstances, a lost life leaves behind a void. Of 62,502,904 aborted children, how many would have grown up to be home builders, doctors, nurses, law enforcement officers, teachers, pastors, scientists, or the many other occupations we need today? We will never know how our nation would have been blessed by these individuals, but we can see how we have been cursed because they are not with us.
Curses
Today, the United States does not have a sufficient population to provide tax support for the aging population. We are experiencing a “silver tsunami.” In the coming years, it is estimated the number of people with dementia will triple, requiring expensive care. This will be increasingly difficult to support. At the same time, we are experiencing a shortage of physicians and nurses.
We also have a shortage of teachers and ministers, even in our own denomination. These “curses” are not immediately recognized because they creep up on us. But they are beginning to bubble to the surface. For more ways we have been impacted, see Dr. Paul Harrison’s podcast, “Untold Consequences.”
What can we do?
The Old Testament writers can help us. Long ago, Isaiah challenged Judah to reason together and to repent of sin (Isaiah 1:18-20).
Repent
We, too, can turn from our sin and repent. We are all guilty in some way. While we may not condone abortion, perhaps we have the wrong attitude toward an unwed mother who has contributed to the covering of one sin with another, not unlike David after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Perhaps it is an unwillingness to help a single mother carry the burden of multiple children because she chose not to abort, or a reluctance to step out of the box to minister patiently to those with special needs. Let us all pray like Daniel, “We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled” (Daniel 9:5a, 15b).
Sanctity of human life is about far more than voting a particular way. It is more than a national problem; it must be addressed individually. But how? We must focus on individuals and the children we already have.
Teach
Could it be that our attitude about life is contributing to the death rate among the elderly population in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic? Some have pointed out that the isolation of quarantine has had a profound negative impact on the elderly. Because our attitude about life has shifted, it is difficult for us to understand how deep the pain is when a couple is separated who made a vow 60-plus years earlier to be together, caring for one another until death. Disrespect for life has impacted us in ways we probably do not understand.
It is dangerous to leave the training of children to the world around us. This is leading to some outlandish beliefs, such as babies are actually a bad thing because of the damage they have upon the environment. Consider that a child you invest in today may be responsible for your care tomorrow (or a few decades from now). We must teach them with the diligence described in Titus 2, where the older train the younger.
We can begin by teaching them what it means for every person to be an image-bearer of God (Genesis 1:26-28; 5:1-3; 9:6) and that every life is valuable (Psalm 139:13-18). We can teach them how God feels when life is not valued (Matthew 18:6) and that He expects us to minister to every person from the least to the greatest (Matthew 25:40, 45).
Minister
When we look around, we see many actively choosing life. Some have chosen to foster a child. Others assist crisis pregnancy centers. We have seen support for children’s homes, ministries to children with special needs, and elders in the community. Still others confront people about the evils of abortion by protesting. Though this is not an exhaustive list, use the following ideas to help you, your family, and your church choose life.
Invest in children. For years, Randall House has championed the importance of investing in children with their emphasis on D6 (Deuteronomy 6). We can seize that mantle to turn the tide on culture’s view of life. Check out the Better Together Podcast with Awana President Matt Markins: “Investing in the Next Generation.”
Focus on our ministries that provide support to troubled children like Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, Alabama Children’s Home, Harvest Free Will Baptist Childcare Ministries, and so many others.
Let us turn from our wickedness (Ezekiel 33:11) and obey God. Let us come together, choosing life so we may receive the blessings God has planned for us.
Care for children with special needs. Around 17.1 million children have a diagnosable mental health disorder. This is a vital opportunity for the church. Check out Amos Dillard’s podcast, “How to Reach Children (and Their Parents) With Special Needs.”
Care for the elderly. This is the next battle for the value of human life. Christians have an opportunity to minister to shut-ins and those who face increasingly debilitating conditions. Find great ideas in Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly’s podcast, “Caring for Senior Adults.”
Finally, minister to those who have had or encouraged abortions. They need our care and mercy, just like David needed Nathan’s ministry (2 Samuel 12-13). We hope this will result in many prayers like the one in Psalm 51. I encourage you to check out the podcast by Jim McComas, CEO of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, “Changing Our Tone, Not Our Tune.”
Let us turn from our wickedness (Ezekiel 33:11) and obey God. Let us come together, choosing life so we may receive the blessings God has planned for us.
