There is currently a great deal of social turmoil in America in response the recent Supreme Court ruling. I do not like to get caught up in the drama of identity politics, but as a Christian, I seek to follow the words of Jesus as He prayed to His Father:

that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:21)

This is letter to my progressive friends that presents why I believe in the pro-life movement. The crux of the matter is “When does life begin?” As a Christian, I seek to follow the teaching of the Bible, which is supported by science, that indicates life begins in the womb. The Old and New Testaments prominently teach that life begins in the womb. The Psalmist gave us this picture:

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)

So we must ask ourselves, “When does that life become a baby – at birth, 8 months, 7 months, where do we draw the line? The same premature baby that we heroically rescue may also be a candidate for abortion. Do I follow the Bible’s teaching or do I allow my personal preferences make the decision? I realize this is a painful decision for many. Every day I counsel people who have made life choices with difficult consequences. We can choose the expedient way of convenience, but the pain of regret always remains. Mark Twain observed, “It is never wrong to do the right thing.”

Will Durant wrote, “A nation is born stoic, and dies epicurean.” Our nation has strayed from a biblical concept of freedom. We emphasize our personal freedom, but freedom requires truth. Freedom is not simply the permission to do what we want, but the ability to do what we ought. Freedom entails not only freedom from whatever may control us, but also for that which is right.

We have become focused upon our entitlements, but what about our responsibilities? Communal freedom implies reciprocal freedom for each individual and freedom for all in the service of all. I believe we were created in the image of God to bring Him honor and glory. Jesus taught us that the extent to which we follow Him reveals that we belong to Him:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:27)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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