Proverbs 31:8-9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (NIV)
Wisdom reaches out to help those who are disadvantaged. We must speak up for those who do not have the money or political influence to be heard. God loves the poor and destitute. Through us he wants to help them. They are created in the image of God, and they are created with purpose. In Proverbs 19:7 the message is clear: He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.
But when I read the phrase, Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, I think of the many unborn children in our society who are at risk of death before they ever see the light of day. The mantra of many is that the woman has the right to choose. Or more accurately, they believe the woman has the right to kill her baby at any point before birth. They maintain that a woman has a right to control her own body.
Here is a true statement from an organization called Feminists for Life: "We believe in a woman's right to control her body and she deserves that right no matter where she lives; even if she is still living in her mother's womb."
In a society where bankrupt thinking abounds, we must return to the Word of God to see what we can do to turn our nation from the barbaric action of abortion.
God's Word is clear. God is working in the womb. Psalm 139:13, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Then Psalm 119:73a says, Your hands made me and formed me. (Also see Psalm 44:2 and Jeremiah 1:5)
Abortion does not cleanse the womb of some blob, or inconvenience or problem. Abortion murders a child made in the image of God. Abortion robs a human being of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
So how do we speak out for the unborn child? How do we work to protect the life of that person who cannot speak for himself. We have seen some parts of the pro-life movement resort to violence and intimidation. We have seen some display a hatred which is not condoned by the Word of God. We want to speak out in the love of God, not the hatred of the evil one.
God loves the abortion doctor. God loves those in the political arena who promote abortion. God loves the woman who kills her baby. For all of these, along with us, Jesus shed his blood. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
I believe the following are some options that are in line with the wisdom of God.
1. Pray Pray for a revelation of the truth to come to our society beginning one person at a time. Pray for young women in the situation of an unwanted pregnancy. Pray for their families to provide wise counsel. Pray for God to protect the baby in the womb.
2. Vote In this nation we have a great privilege and responsibility. Vote for those who support the protection of the unborn child. Never fail to vote.
3. Acquire Knowledge Learn about the abortion industry. Learn about the actual act of abortion, so that you will be knowledgeable when God opens the door for you to speak to someone.
4. Volunteer Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. Find some avenue to put feet to your convictions.
5. Write Write thoughtful, wise letters to the editors. Write your your representatives. Let them know how you feel.There are other ways for you to creatively speak up for the protection of the unborn child. Ask God to give you wisdom as to what you are to do
When we do not speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, we violate the Word of God. Let's joyfully, in wisdom speak out for life.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org