In Search of Freedom

Today the Supreme Court in America overturned the law protecting abortion rights. Their decision sparked strong responses on both sides of the issue. The disenfranchised cried while the affirmed celebrated. Is it really that simple an issue? Is anyone the winner on this issue?

The affirmed were happy because the Courts made fugitives of those “breaking God’s law”. But is that sound argument? Can we find anywhere in the Bible where God forces anyone to live by His law? I think not. On earth, Jesus made very clear that He was saddened and even angered by intentional sinning, e.g., His capsizing of the money tables in the temple. However, Jesus clearly states that law-keeping is more complex: 

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5: 27, 28. 

Law-keeping begins in the mind— long before the act. True law-keeping cannot be mandated! 

So what is my position on the Supreme Court’s decision? I find it empty and vane. Enforcing outward compliance to the sacredness of life does not advance God’s will. God give us the freedom to choose His better way of life because by so doing we will have happiness. “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

So do we then leave people to continue to disregard the sacredness of life? No. But our responsibility is more complex than making laws.

“Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you neglect what is more important in the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness!” Matthew 23: 23. 

 By adopting just and merciful behaviors we reveal a true respect for life: Provide safe refuge for those who are caught in this terrible dilemma; give emotional and physical support for those abused; provide counseling for those devastated by dismal futures; create financial and social structures that provide support through this experience; erase the judgmental, negative stigma for those reluctant mothers. Anything else is disregard for life and is but a camouflage of our own insensitive self-centeredness. 

Will some still chose abortion over help? Sadly, yes. But true respect for life means they, like us,  have that choice. When we alienate them with the law we are only throwing a tantrum in an attempt to get our way. . . Not God’s way!  True freedom is a difficult ideal is it not?!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”John 13: 34, 35.

Today’s Goal: To revisit our position on choice and adopt behaviors that enhance the sacredness of life.