As we know by now, on or before election day, we in Nebraska have the opportunity and the responsibility to vote on two ballot initiatives that pertain to human life. Initiative #434 called “Protect Women and Children” is a pro-life measure that gives protections against abortion. Initiative #439 is an anti-life measure that among other things allows for abortions at all stages. Because God is the God of life and not death (5 Commandment), we are called to vote in two ways: To vote “for” initiative 434 and “against” initiative 439. By taking action in this way, we are pro-life.
Yet, while this is good, it may be helpful to consider if being pro-life should consist of more than making a trip to the voting booth. In other words, how else can we be pro-life during the non-voting days of the year? Here we can think about being pro-life in 3 ways.
First of all, perhaps the most pro-life thing we can do is pray. Pray to the God of life. Pray to the One who loves life, gives life and protects life. Pray to the One who said, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
More specifically, pray for women like Sarah and Hannah in the Bible who are unable to conceive. Pray for widows like Anna. Pray for people to hold to the value of life when tempted to offer their children to the god of abortion. Pray for those who have had an abortion. Pray that the Lord would raise up people like Josiah to usher in reforms (2 Kings 23). And more importantly, pray that the Holy Spirit would reform the hearts of all people to see the precious value of life at all stages.
Second of all, if you want to be pro-life (and you are married), have a family. Have children if God so blesses you. Believe the words of Psalm 127 that say, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” Regardless of how sticky, loud, and messy they are, the Lord calls them a blessing. Having a family is pro-life.
And finally, when family members get older, we can be pro-life by taking care of them. We can take care of them as the Lord enables us. 1 Timothy 5 calls us to provide for our relatives, and especially the members of our own household. And so, respecting and caring for elderly family members is one of the most pro-life things we can do.
The reason we are pro-life is because God is pro-life. He is pro-life in creating us. He is pro-life in redeeming us. He is pro-life by adopting us through the waters of our baptism. And therefore, as His children, we are pro-life too.
Upholding the value of human life with you,
Pastor Tuma