Reflections on 'Pro-Choice'...

"I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me." (Words of Jesus, John 5:30 - AMP)

"Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God...praying only for knowledge of His Will and the Power to carry that out." (Modified version of Step 11 of AA)

The presidential candidates were recently asked questions by Rick Warren, a pastor in California, relating to their views on abortion. I thought about the two opposing positions...and reflected on the fact that one of the candidates claimed to be a follower of Christ, yet was adamantly 'Pro-Choice'. The words of this candidate 'sounded right' while discussing his dependence on Christ ... yet I was bothered. It then occurred to me that this 'stance' reveals a fundamental belief: the value of the mother's opinion overrides any other value or opinion. The value of the child is not considered and, even more importantly, the will of God is not the ultimate authority. In essence, the 'Pro-Choice' position is "My will be done...whatever the cost...whatever it takes...no matter what or who stands in the way."

As a Christian in recovery, I am VERY familiar with this 'logic' as it is embedded in my nature, along with the rest of the human race (see Genesis 3). In fact, 'Pro-choice/Pro-control' lead to addiction and destruction as I lived a life of self-fulfillment. However, this need to be in control by 'surrendering to my own will' stands contrary to authentic Christianity (& authentic recovery). The 'basic instruction' for the Christian, as taught in the principles of recovery, is submission to a Higher Authority -- the WILL of GOD. Once we make the radical claim to be a servant of Christ (consistent with Step 3), we no longer have the option to live by our own will. Our instruction is to follow the example of Christ...Who did not consult His own opinion, seek His own will or do what was only pleasing to Himself (see John 5, John 14-17). There is no 'soft, easy way' in this journey... In other words, 'my choice' can no longer be the final authority. The one clarifying question to ask an individual that wants to be a servant of Christ and submit to His Lordship is: "Are you willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost, to follow Christ ... even if it means surrendering your will and your own opinions to His authority?"

'Pro-choice' (making decisions independent of God) always leads to death and destruction. Pro-choice is not an issue such as 'lower taxes', 'better education' or 'a clean environment'... Pro-choice is all about who (or WHO) is in control. I remember the words of Jesus when facing imminent death, "...not my will, but Your will be done."

Lane