Saying "No" Is Not Enough
Scripture Reading — Psalm 139:15-18
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
—Matthew 19:14
One Sunday after I had preached against abortion, I found a letter on my desk. It was written by a police officer from a major city who had been in our church that morning. He wrote, “Don’t abuse my time telling me that abortion is wrong. I’ve heard it many times before.” He added, “Tell me what you are doing to promote adoption as well as other alternatives to abortion. What are you and your church doing for crack babies, for children who are abused, and for children who are shipped from foster home to foster home?”
A single mother also wrote, “I know abortion is wrong. But have you signed up to adopt a child? If not, why not? Have you volunteered to babysit for a single mother so she can go to work? Have you opened your door to a pregnant teenager whose parents have kicked her out? Have you ever visited a home for abused and unwanted children or volunteered to answer calls from desperate teens looking for an alternative to abortion?”
Saying “no” to abortion is not enough. As followers of the Lord Jesus, we must remember that he wants us to welcome little children in his name, along with all others who may be vulnerable or disadvantaged. We all need to recognize how dependent we are on God, and we have to ask ourselves, “How does the Lord want me to show his love to all his children?” Then we must respond.
Lord, please open our eyes to opportunities to promote full life in your kingdom, and to respond with your love. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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