Don't Leave God Back at the Camp
It should surprise none of us that the enemy would ask or require us to divorce ourselves from our faith and the greatest tool we have in our tool belt.
I have discussed and debated the issue of abortion for decades. My writing on this topic goes back over twenty years with my first paper in college. I have argued for and stood for the cause of life for as long as I can remember. This practice has proven to be successful, but this practice has also illustrated to me the importance of and the need for a Biblical framework and model as I continue to have conversations with people from all over our country that are for, against, or indifferent to the issue of abortion.
Many of these conversations often start with a premise that argues the Bible is not an authority on the topic at hand. I am often told that the Bible is a sorry excuse for a source when discussing the work of pregnancy centers or the issue of abortion. I must admit, I have often taken this criticism and adapted my position to fit the views of the culture. Sure, this might be good practice as we construct our overall position, but this practice must not become our default as we debate and have conversations surrounding life and abortion.
I believed for quite some time that since I could argue my viewpoint from scientific and political perspectives, opponents would see me as more credible or sensible when discussing the issue of abortion. Don’t get me wrong, I think life-affirming advocates should be able to articulate their position fully no matter the lens at which we view it. However, I think we make a misstep when we take our cues from a secular culture that seeks to propagate abortion in every realm of our society. A quick search online would prove that as some seek to divorce us from our faith and our God they are creating their own faith and god in the golden calf that is abortion.
Again, I discuss the issue of abortion daily in my work, weekly on my podcast, and often around the country as I speak on the topic. I do this in a variety of ways as I articulate my position when it comes to policy, community, or family. However, these varieties always find their root in the Word of God. It should surprise none of us that the enemy would ask or require us to divorce ourselves from our faith and the greatest tool we have in our tool belt. Their argument, in essence, is this; we can debate this issue, but you must leave your greatest resource at the house. I have heard this my entire adult life and, if I’m honest, I often take the bait. I have so much confidence in my ability that I, wrongly, believe I could make a difference on my own, apart from God and His word.
Not too long ago I was having a conversation with someone about this very topic. We were discussing our past observations and how we navigate these opportunities to advocate for life. As we were talking, the Lord brought to mind a question concerning David. What if David would have left God back at the camp when he answered the call to face Goliath? Goliath, in that moment, was mocking David and his God. Goliath, sure, was not afraid of David or his God, but he was seeking to draw him out of the camp. What if David, in that moment, would have taken the cues from the lost culture? What if David’s confidence in his skills moved him to fight in his own strength? We will never know because David stepped out in faith and full confidence with God on his side.
God’s Word illustrates this truth repeatedly. When God’s people find themselves in difficult circumstances, the Word of God never returns void. When Jesus was tempted, He answered; it is written…When Daniel was faced with a den of lions he didn’t leave God outside. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with death, they did not run from the truth. Instead, they boldly shared their faith in the God of the universe.
I could continue on, but I think the point is clear. We are living in uncertain times, but we serve a certain God. I am blessed to have opportunities to speak truth and cultivate conversations that would properly define the importance of our work and the work of life advocates everywhere. As these opportunities present themselves, might I suggest or challenge you? Always try to cut a path back to the greatest resource we have at our disposal…the Word of God. Charles Spurgeon often said it best with this summary, “I take my text and make a beeline to the cross.” This practice will never lead us astray.
Our goal should never be as simple as winning a debate. I lived that life for quite some time, and, yes, winning debates can oftentimes make us feel good, but I can promise you that winning people for eternity feels a great deal better. Do not be hesitant to point people to the truth. Our world is hungry for authenticity and a people that would be willing to provide that truth to them. I pray we do not neglect this opportunity as we seek to walk in our faith at home, in our workplace, and in our community with boldness and confidence.