Restrictions

In Ecclesiastes 12, the writer offers these words of admonition:
1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":

And later, in verses 6 and 7:
6 Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well.
7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Everyone does well to follow these instructions: to remember our Creator.  Now, that statement makes the bold assumption and the spiritual fact that God is our Creator. So, He is the One who has ordained your life.  His hand is what gives your life value.  If every human being adopted that simple perspective, what a difference we would see!  People would cease to take the lives of others, including the unborn, because they reverence God and respect His creation.  And, we would, I think, have a greater sense of His purpose for us.

+++++

In the first chapter of the book of Jeremiah, we read about when God came to the prophet and laid out His call on his life:
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
6 Then said I: "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth."
7 But the Lord said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

The Bible teaches a reverence for our Creator and a healthy respect for His creation.  That means we are to be good stewards of the environment, for sure, without going overboard.   It also means that we are to regard the creation of life as a sovereign act of God, who looked at his forming human beings and giving them the breath of life as "very good."

During January, it gives us an opportunity to also show regard for life inside the womb.  And, a new Marist poll commissioned by the Knights of Columbus shows that a majority of Americans, including many who are pro-choice, want to see unborn life protected, according to a CNSNews.com article.

Here's a telling statement:

74 percent of all Americans – including 54 percent of those who identify as pro-choice - are in favor of “significant restrictions” on abortion.

The poll also found that “Americans overwhelmingly oppose using tax dollars to fund abortions," with 83% voicing opposition to funding abroad and 61% indicating opposition in the U.S.  So...why are lawmakers considering a bill to overturn what President Trump did this week, in reinstating a ban on American taxpayers funding abortions in other countries?

The article also reports that:

Three-quarters of those polled who favor restrictions on abortion also said they want the U.S. Supreme Court to allow such restrictions, according to the poll.

An even larger majority of nearly 8 in 10 Americans (78%) also agree that “it is possible to have laws which protect both the health and well-being of the woman and the life of the unborn.”

Now the poll does indicate that "52% of Americans identify as pro-choice; 42% identify as pro-life; and 6% are 'unsure'" But, 59% of Americans surveyed think that abortion is “morally wrong." That includes 80% of Trump supporters and 37% of Clinton supporters. Only 39% believe it is “morally acceptable."

But, as Dr. Barbara Carvalho, director of the Marist Poll, told reporters during a conference call on Monday, “The issue is very complex, but what we generally tend to do is speak about just the categories of pro-life and pro-choice and force people to take a position,” adding, “But beyond the labels, people have very significant ideas that are not as simplistic as the labels suggest.”

As an example, she pointed out that 58% of millennials identify as pro-choice, compared to 37% who identify as pro-life. But, she also related that 7 in 10 millennials “choose positions on abortion that include significant restrictions.” Carvalho said, “The labels don’t really get at what people’s positions are on these very important issues."

So, again almost three-out-of-four Americans agree there should be some restrictions on abortion. Yet, many elected lawmakers, especially those in Congress, still continue to vote to fund Planned Parenthood with tax dollars. And, one can only hope that the Senate will pass the bill to restrict taxpayer funding of abortion that was approved by the House earlier this week, so that President Trump gets a chance to sign it.  Also in Congress, a common-sense 20-week abortion ban still languishes.   Meanwhile, state legislatures have passed significant restrictions throughout the years.

But, the American people are smart, and seem to have a sense that something is wrong with abortion, even if they do not consider themselves to be pro-life.  This is encouraging, and indicates that there is a moral component of the American populous that still remains, despite an attitude that favors unlimited abortion.  

So, please consider with me:

The battle for unborn life ultimately will not be won in the halls of Congress, but in the hearts of Americans.  Because, a supernatural component will help someone see that there is life in the womb that should not be taken.   And, the seeds have apparently been planted.   If the media gets in gear and covers the hundreds of thousands who are expected at tomorrow's March for Life, what a significant message that can send to Americans.  And, what affirmation for people who may be in favor of so-called "choice," but who deeply think that abortion should be restricted.

Ultimately, truth wins.  Truth in the form of the Scriptures.  Truth lived out in society through the love of Jesus, willing to minister with compassion to women and men in crisis pregnancy situations. Truth as expressed in ultrasound technology that show a women she is carrying life.

There is also truth about sexuality that has been ignored.  The 100% effective means to prevent unwanted pregnancy comes as two people show respect for one another and abstain from sex outside of marriage - it's God's prescription, and it totally works.  We can look to our officials to restrict that taking of human life, but we can also look to ourselves to not engage in sexual behavior that is outside His will.