Consistent Ethic of Human Life

Can one be pro-life and be pro-war?
Does this represent a conflict of interest?
It would seem to be just that. How can our churches proclaim to value life and do nothing to help improve the lives of those already born? It's as if we say, "We'll make sure you make it out of the womb, after that, you'll need to fend for yourself." What about the women who carry these children? Are their lives inconsequential? What about those who die daily on the streets from exposure to the elements? They aren't worthy of rallies, safe-houses, and "life-chains"? What about those who die in conflicts long forgotten? What about those who cannot fend for themselves and are sold as sex slaves, a fate worse than death perhaps? What about the command to love our enemies? Are they not men like us, men for whom Christ died? We need perspective.

Barely three weeks ago, i sat in a coffee shop and listened to a man, whom i respect very much, tell me that our national sovereignty and the safety of our people was a reason to fight for that in which we believe. Fair enough, freedom is important, that was his opinion. Perhaps my priorities are different. Trusting in horses and princes for safety was never high on God's list for His people. Understand that i am saying this from a very "safe" position (a nuke could fall tomorrow, unlikely, but then i'm not very safe), but i am not letting safety govern my steps. We are given freedom in this country, for which i am very grateful, but this is not the same freedom that God promises to us. He promises us True freedom, freedom from the fear of death, freedom to choose life for others even though it may mean death for ourselves. If we are truly in Him, in Christ, then our personal safety means less to us than one life who does not have this security. Thousands upon thousands have perished in Darfur, how many of them had hope? Let us not hold this life so tightly that we fail to "die" when our enemy comes. The length of my life does not limit the impact that it can have. Safety is nice, it's part of the American dream, but it is death to the gospel.

i may have been a bit unfair in characterizing the church as one who takes up political causes at the drop of a hat, but refuse to take up relational causes. It may be unfair to say we tend to look to the highest-ups, the movers and shakers, the policy makers for our salvation but ignore what could be done around the block to help the lowest, poorest, those who can offer nothing in return for our kindness. It may be unfair, but i doubt it. Perhaps a change in perspective, from politics to persons, from crusades and causes to caring and compassion, will change us. We need to love our enemies and pray for them, for our churches, for our leaders, for our neighbors. We must to help those who cannot help us. Every man and woman was created in the image of God, each is one for whom Christ died. Jesus is not respecter of persons, but loves us all. Let us love the way Jesus loves. Perhaps if we are for the lives down the street or across town, the lives of the unborn will become more valuable. Let us not shortchange God in an effort to exact change on our terms.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24

Alleluia.