On Sanctity of Life issues, Jesus on the Scene Changes Things

Every year, millions recognize the third Sunday in January as “Sanctity of Life” Sunday. The abortion issue is always a hotly debated subject, and considering all that is at stake, it should be. For the Christ-follower, Jesus has changed us. This change must have the greatest impact on both what we believe and how we respond to these very important issues. You already know Jesus loves the little children; maybe you also need a reminder that His love is not just for kids.

Jesus makes a difference to children

We know Jesus had a special affection for children. He spent time blessing them, even rebuking his disciples when they attempted to dismiss the children. Jesus held up children as the humble example by which we all must come to faith in Him. Jesus was the greatest advocate of children, and His impact even included the unborn. The first human to rejoice at Jesus’ coming near was not the shepherds but the unborn John the Baptist. Luke 1 records how Mary, pregnant with Jesus, arrived to visit her also pregnant relative Elizabeth, and John the Baptist “leaped in her womb.” The reality remains that all children have reason to leap when Jesus is on the scene. This is a key principle: Jesus on the scene changes things.

Doug Mize

Doug Mize

I long for a day when there are no abortions. I still believe Christ-followers should decry this dreadful violence against the unborn. It remains extremely important to speak to the political process. So the question remains: What else should we do? Should we simply linger on the sidelines, waiting on our legislators while other important life needs for kids go unmet? The sobering truth is that God wants us right now to demonstrate Jesus on the scene to others who are starving for help.

As Christ-followers, it is our privilege to see Jesus making a difference in difficult situations. Gray Madden is a leader in the Taylors First Baptist Church ministry to support adoption and fostering children. He suggests a mind change to see more action take place on behalf of kids:

Sanctity of Life“I think a hurdle preventing the church from significantly impacting the orphan crisis is the idea that the only way to contribute is to adopt or foster a child. The result is that the overwhelming majority of us sit back and do nothing. There are many ways a person can make a difference, includingsupporting foster and adoptive families      through prayer, encouragement and financial support. Or by sponsoring a child through orphan-care organizations, becoming a mentor for a foster or at-risk youth, or beginning an orphan-care ministry within your church.”

What a comfort that not all unwanted or needy kids have their lives snuffed out by abortion. So many opportunities remain for us to minister to kids right now. How will you be involved?

Jesus makes a difference to those who have chosen abortion

We strongly bemoan the fact that this nation has now had more than 50 million babies aborted since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. This number is staggering. Just as tragic are the millions of women who have had abortions, along with all the men who have either pushed or paid for one. Not all of them are hurting, but countless of them are in deep pain.

Many reading this article carry around the hurt of an abortion. For some of them, every child’s smile or the joyful sounds from a playground remind them of a horrible memory they fear they will never shake. Is there any good news for them? Enter Jesus, who is not only our example on how to treat children but also our redeemer of our own terrible decisions. Do you remember Jesus ministering to the Samaritan woman who was married five times? She, herself, was surprised that Jesus would care for her. Or recall the belittled tax collectors Matthew and Zacchaeus, whom Jesus loved. Jesus healed and forgave them, even picking Matthew as an apostle and writer of one of His Gospels.

My favorite is Jesus’ care for the woman caught in the very act of adultery. She was thrown at His feet and ready to be stoned by the religious elite. Yet Jesus had the salve for her soul and offered her an ocean of needed grace. He forgave her along with His admonition to amend her ways. If Jesus walked the roads of this country, I have no doubt He would solicit a gathering of people whose consciences were steeped in similar guilt and sin. Then He would soon enjoy the act of forgiving them and lifting up their chins. Today, Jesus is walking with those carrying a painful memory of an abortion. He is making many of them smile again in freedom.

There are many wonderful Christ-centered groups ministering to those who are pregnant but confused on what to do next. Many of these groups are also presenting Christ to those who need healing from choosing an abortion. One such place in Greenville is the Piedmont Women’s Center. Lenna Smith, CEO, shared this testimonial from a special girl:

“I had been walking behind God. I thought He was awesome but He could never love me for my past. I could never have the privilege to climb in His lap and just be held. I was wrong. Seeing Christ through the Abortion Recovery, I received courage, strength and love. I was able to see parts of my life where I had made bad choices because I did not believe I was loved by God — a direct result of the scars from the abortions.”

Christ is making a difference in scarred lives on the other side of abortion. How will God use you to show this hope to those who have not yet heard the Good News? Maybe you can find a way to help support a ministry that shares the Gospel to hurting people like these. Remember: Jesus on the scene changes things.

— Doug Mize is education and connections pastor at Taylors First Baptist Church.