Silence is not an option in the struggle for life

Deuteronomy 30:19 "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life - so that you and your children may live."

The month of January is the Sanctity of Life month. On Jan. 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in America. Because of your personal rights you can choose abort. More than some 40-million babies have been aborted since that date.

In America today we are told and we believe that we must not give up our rights and no one can take them from us. Your right to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness is what this very country is all about. Our country says that "you have a right to do with what you want with your body and no one can take that right from you and when you abuse your body, it is your right to be taken care of and be fixed - even if you cannot pay for it."

This right also gives you the right to take the life of a baby that may be within your body. Your rights are of a higher moral value than the right to life.

The Bible teaches the opposite. On May 19, Ben and Becky were told that their 20-week-old baby had a severe birth defect that would kill her when she was born. They were told they had the right to abort her. On Aug. 22, their baby girl was born.

For many, January has passed without any meaning to them. For many in our nation, we are silent about the right to life. We submit to the rule of the Supreme Court. Silence is our choice.

Abraham Lincoln said, "To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."

Silence for Christians is never the solution. When churches are silent about abortion, we encourage it. Silence becomes a form of consent, a quiet permission. We must not be cowards. We must stand up for the truth of God's Word.

• Ben Fleming is the pastor of Silver Hills Community Church.