Politics

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As Americans and, more disturbingly, as Christians we are increasingly eroding away the moral foundation on which we stand, namely the Bible. God’s library sets forth clear, concise directives that are in all cases unwavering. Yet even in the face of the unchanging Word of the Almighty we can say, “except when…”

These two words can be followed by any number of rationalizations for bending and breaking God’s laws. Lying is sin except when the truth word hurt someone. Gossip is sin except when you really are trying to help. Stealing is sin except when you steal to provide for your needy family. These are tragic and unsettling but the most egregious exception applies to our excuses for abortion.

Most abortions are performed for reasons of convenience or cosmetics. According to the National Right to Life Committee website only about 7% of the total abortions are performed based on hard cases (defined as rape, incest, or health issues.) Instead of rape and incest being minor they are shoved into the forefront of the life debate along with a more shameful fellow. Abortion is wrong except when the life of the mother is at stake. How often do we hear our politicians, friends, family, even pastors say they are staunchly opposed to abortion “except when the life of the mother is at stake?” Are they even aware of the thick cloud of irony hovering over this statement?

A mother is excused from killing her unborn child to save her own life? That same mother would step in front of an oncoming train to save that child’s life were it five years old. You could turn on the television at practically anytime of day and find the story of a courageous woman who protected her children from abuse or donated a kidney or bone marrow to an ill child. These are sacrifices that would be celebrated. We would hear about them on the evening news. They would make every national newspaper. Why, then, do we not hear of the mother who is diagnosed with cancer while pregnant and declines treatment so as not to harm her growing, thriving baby?

In the Gospel of John, chapter 15 verse 13, Jesus states, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” In our journey toward sanctification shouldn’t we as followers of Christ take on this attitude and put the well being of others ahead of ourselves? The answer is clear when we couple this scripture with Philippians 2:5-8, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus was heavenly minded even as he walked on Earth. His miracles and ministry were not guided by how they might impact his finances or his home being too small or even by preserving his life. He gave his life so that we might live. His mind was made up. Ours should be too.

If we take on this mindset every viewpoint should change. We should not fear death. Is it so tragic that one of His saints dies a mortal death? Not really. We should rejoice. The spirit and soul have escaped this shadowy existence and are resting in the Everlasting Arms. We should reach the point on Earth where Earth no longer matters. Each of us should aim solely to “…be about my Father’s business.” Luke 2:49

From personal experience this sacrificial viewpoint has proven to be quite an excellent door opener for witnessing. Many times my husband and I had the opportunity to explain this position basing it on my surety of salvation. Even as early as first diagnosis of my pregnancy our obstetrician inquired about any advanced directives. We calmly and resolutely explained our beliefs and why in a crisis situation our child’s life was more important than mine. We knew that our child was innocent and deserved the right to live, to experience his daddy and all that he couldn’t know were we to choose differently. It was an easy decision. My problem was figuring out why others thought me curious. Perhaps they just saw my God-given peculiarity.

All in all, it’s a simple issue. A mother has a greater obligation to her child than herself in all things. No questions. No exceptions. Wives write it in your wills, on birthing plans, on your heart. Husbands support your wives, pray for her in this regard, and know that this decision isn’t based on emotion but on sound Biblical principles. If we are trusting enough to ask God for myriad other needs in our prayers can’t we also trust that His timing is perfect every time? Especially in the miracle of conception, pregnancy, and birth that He designed.

(c) Beatrice Scalf 2005

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