What's your trigger?
Dan Kunz
Now that the Supreme Court has spoken and Roe vs. Wade has been overturned, be prepared. Over the past decade or so, those who hold viewpoints farther and farther from the mainstream (and especially farther and farther from the consciences of most Christians) have not only demanded equality and acceptance, but they demand that others “celebrate” them and support them - that others are either their allies or their enemies. This aggressiveness, I’m afraid, is about to get much worse.
Only a few days after the Supreme Court decision, I saw two examples of this in the relatively conservative Upper Midwest. A local TV station referred to those in favor or the decision as “anti-abortionists”. I haven’t heard that term for quite a while. In recent years, at least, the term “pro-life” has been used more often. Maybe the term “anti-life” will come up. I’m afraid this subtle change in terminology bodes bad things for the future. Also, I dropped my dog off at the veterinary office for some dental work. The young woman behind the counter was wearing a button which displayed a coat hangar with a red line through it. After a closer look, I noticed she was also wearing a tiny coat hangar necklace around her neck. Really? Only days after the decision and people were already marketing things like that. I almost said something, but re-considered, for the time being. When I returned later, she wasn’t behind the counter. I did, however, plan an approach to the young lady.
First of all, I would have asked her about her pin and her necklace. Who knows why she chose to wear those emblems? God gave us two ears, but only one mouth. Maybe we should listen twice as much as we speak! In today’s world, most people are willing to listen to your “story” or your viewpoint, if you’re willing to listen to theirs.
After listening to her, I would have said, “I’m very much pro-life and here’s why. I had a grandson who was born very premature – only twenty-three weeks. He weighed thirteen ounces. Thirteen ounces! For the first ten days of his life, he got a little stronger every day and we all hoped he would make it. Then in two hours, everything changed and he passed away. The thought of anyone purposely ending the life of a baby who weighs thirteen ounces, makes me sick to my stomach. I couldn’t possibly support the idea of abortion.” With that, I would have turned and walked away. This isn’t a shouting match. This isn’t a debate. This isn’t an appeal. This is what I believe and this is why. At that point, it’s up to the Holy Spirit and a person’s own conscience to decide what’s right.
So what’s your “trigger”? At what point will you say something and what will you say. Quoting Scripture probably won’t have an impact on an unbeliever. You can certainly tell the person why you believe what you do, but you have to make sure you impress on them that you are concerned about both the unborn child and the mother. Since we just came out of a two-year nightmare in which the mantra was “Follow the science.” How about following the science in this case? Because of advances in medicine and technology, we’re able to know a lot about unborn babies. Show a four-year-old an unborn baby at only a few months of age and they’ll be able to tell you it’s a baby. Your chance to promote life will certainly come. Be ready! I Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.