“I’m really pro-life, but I don’t want to tell others what to do.”

“I’m really pro-life, but I don’t think we should tell other people what they should do.”

Have you heard this argument?

It’s that lukewarm, middle of the road, soft ground, that seems appealing to many.

Is this you?

But the fact is, those who take this position are really alright with telling people what to do…they go along with the government telling people what to do all day long in so many other areas.

They are good with speed limit laws, laws against drinking while driving, laws prohibiting child pornography and child labor, laws against domestic violence, and on and on.

Why, should laws against killing a pre-born baby be somehow in a different category ?

I’ve thought and thought about this.

This argument, held by even some who call themselves Christians, is so illogical and certainly inconsistent with the beliefs they hold for other laws in our land.

And I wonder, is it because those who try to straddle the fence with this position, just don’t like that the whole idea of surrender?

For when a woman is facing an unplanned pregnancy she has to surrender some things- her plans have to change to carry that baby to term.

She may have to temporarily lay down some of her wants and wishes for nine short months. She will likely be physically, financially and emotionally impacted.

But does any scenario or temporary sacrifice equate to the ending of another life?

Ultrasounds make it very clear we are talking about another person.

Science has proven babies inside the womb feel pain when they are burned or dismembered in the horrific act of abortion.

What is it the woman is facing that could possibly be worth this?

Yes, she may feel sick, gain some weight, have to miss work or school for a bit, but only for a short while, until she can give that baby up for adoption.

Yes, this is sacrifice for the good of another person.

Is sacrifice not something this great country was built on?

Furthermore, Christian, isn’t this a central theme of our faith?

Did our Savior not lay down His life so that we may live ,and did He not say those who lose their lives actually find them? (Matt 10:39, 16:25)?

For it is not in loving others, not ourselves, that we find the greatest of joy?

Are these principles not universally true?

Do we not trust God enough to stand behind them when it comes to every facet of life?

Or is it that we actually don’t think our laws should compel others to do what they don’t want to do (even though it’s for a short while and to save a life) because we really don’t like the ideas of sacrifice and surrender ourselves?

Oh, many will follow religious traditions in many areas but deep down they haven’t surrendered all of their will to God’s way.

Perhaps, the real reason some hold to this “I’m pro-life but I don’t want to tell others what to do” stance is actually because they, themselves, don’t want anyone else telling them what to do —including God.

But the truth is, the Savior told us, following Him involves denying ourselves —but it’s a good thing and leads to life!

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:23-26)

I pray we will all examine our hearts. Let’s ask the Lord to show us anything we are holding back from Him. Let’s ask Him to help us surrender our ways to His better ways and find life and life to the full! (John 10:10).

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