When people hear “pro-life,” they think of the abortion issue.
That’s because the pro-life label has become a way of identifying those who are against abortion.
But being pro-life goes beyond abortion.
Throughout its pages the Bible gives us an entire pro-life vision. A vision that does not merely fixate on an issue or two, but encompasses the whole of life.
From the very beginning God has intended life to be characterized by blessing and abundance.
By the fifth day the world that God made teemed with swarms of living creatures. And He placed the first man and woman in a garden which had in it a tree of life.
Even after sin entered the world, God did not forsake His purpose to bless with goodness those He made in His likeness.
But experiencing this blessing requires trust and obedience.
Because of this, the Bible exhorts us to “choose life.”
The commands He gives us are not out of reach for us. Yet we must be careful not to be drawn away by our own desires, lest we miss the life He freely offers. ( Dt.30:11-20).
Of course, we don’t always act wisely and respond in obedience to what comes before us.
Indwelling sin, the seductions of the world, and the adversary of our souls seek to woo us away from God. And when we listen, we take a step on the path of death.
But Jesus came to bring us the life that we cannot attain ourselves.
The Bible presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In the midst of a world of lies that lead astray, He leads His sheep with words of truth.
And to those who hear His voice and follow Him, He promises an abundant life (Jn.10 :10)
What is an abundant life? It begins with the spiritual benefits of living with a good conscience, and trusting Him from now to eternity.
But it also includes all the good that having God with us provides in this world.
Too often we separate the spiritual from the world we actually live in.
But the earthy image of sheep being led by a shepherd tells us that the biblical promise of abundant life is for the here and now. And this promise was secured when Jesus laid down His life for those who belong to Him.
Once we see Jesus as the Lord who gives abundant life, applications of what it means to be pro-life appear everywhere.
It affects not just how we view unborn babies, but how we view children in general, how we speak of others, how we decide when it’s right to go to war, and even how much we enjoy life itself.
A biblical, pro-life vision not only seeks to see the unborn survive the womb. It also seeks to see all others thrive once they are outside of it.
This vision can only be realized as we make obedience to God ? in all areas of life ? a serious pursuit.
“Blessed is the man who listens to me. . . For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord” (Pr.8:34-36).
David Bostrom, davidjbostrom@gmail.com, is pastor of Seed for the Harvest ministries.