I was reading an article on the pro-life news site Lifesite News. The article in question is titled:
“Ben Shapiro destroys Justin Trudeau’s claim that pro-lifers aren’t ‘in line…with society’”
Now, as I read the article and watched the video on the page, I think destroyed might be a bit of a strong word. You can make that decision for yourself if you would like. Here is the link to the website:
Ben Shapiro is a conservative commentator who is Jewish. He holds a high view on things like the value of human life, and the classic view on gender and sexuality. I want to focus on one thing that he said during his speech at the March for Life in Washington D.C.. Mr. Shapiro was responding to a statement made by Justin Trudeau earlier in the week about those who hold to a pro-life stance. Mr. Trudeau mentioned that those who hold a pro-life view are not in-line with the rest of society. Mr. Shapiro’s response was this:
“Maybe they’re right. Maybe we today here are not in line with the rest of society, to which I say, ‘good.’ So were the abolitionists. So were the civil rights marchers. So were the martyrs in Rome and the Jews in Egypt.”
As we move into a time in history where the traditional biblical values that we have lived with for the last century and a half have fallen out of popularity we need to remember that we are to be people who are set apart. That is what we are called to. Unfortunately, far too many Christians have jumped on the syncretism band wagon. In the short term it is safer to conform than to stand. That is not what we are commanded to do by Christ. In fact, Peter wrote that it was a blessing to face persecution. Look at what 1 Peter says:
1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (13) But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (14) If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. (16) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Let me be careful to say that we are not in the midst of a fiery trial, yet. We no longer have control of society as a whole, but we are not in fear of losing our lives or income. What we can take from this passage is that it is our duty and our honor to stand for the truth of God when society turns from this truth. We are to be winsome in calling the lost back to truth. We are not called to rise up in armed rebellion, but we are called to live correctly and to preach the gospel in word and deed.
Abortion represents one of the most anti-biblical endeavors of humanity. We are told in scripture that all humanity, the born and the pre-born, the young and the old, both genders, and all races are created in the image of God. Because of that we have inherent worth. As you read through the Old Testament you realize that children were tied to blessing. The more children your country had the more blessed you were.
Psalms 127:4-5 ESV
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. (5) Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Our society has tied children to anything but blessing. They are a burden, a mistake, anything but something to celebrate. I appreciate Mr. Shapiro’s line that something doesn’t need to be popular to be righteous, but I would say that to be righteous it needs to glorify the Lord. Jesus treated children with added kindness, and so should we! Considering that, let me suggest a simple thing that you can do. Let’s write some letters. Your MP and MPP should be hearing from you regarding your views on abortion. Abortion is not a right, it is the end of a human life caused by human hands. In most cases that is called murder. There is truth to the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” We need to become vocal about this. We need to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. And we need to glorify the Lord!
Pastor Jonathan Welch
