The pro-life movement has witnessed firsthand a great amount of success here in America, especially in the last decade. But to characterized it as a human achievement would sell it short. Much more than that, the pro-life movement remains about spiritual warfare.
More people are getting involved than ever before. Countless lives have been saved, thanks especially to the loving intervention of sidewalk counselors on the front lines at the abortion centers themselves. Millions have prayerfully stood outside the abortion centers across the country, and around the world, thanks to the 40 Days For Life campaign.
Clinics are closing. Abortion workers are leaving the industry. Abortion providers themselves are speaking out about the tragedy they perpetuated before their conversions. Legislation has been passed adding more restrictions to abortion. Thus, tremendous consolations have been received as of late.
This is all good news. But I have to sound the warning bell to the pro-life movement: let’s not let all this go to our heads.
OUR BATTLE IS NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD
We need to give credit where credit is due. Otherwise, it may become too easy to let our egos become inflated. We may think we were the cause of all the frustration the abortion advocates are experiencing.
Although the devil has been losing several battles in the abortion arena, as of late, he never tires and he certainly will never give up. We must recall Saint Paul’s reminder that what we are attempting to overcome remains a spiritual battle, not entirely an earthly one.
He writes, “For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
We have all likely read that verse, but have we remembered to apply it to our daily, pro-life work? Do we begin and end our actions in the name of the Lord by calling on Him to help us? Or, do we take the onus upon ourselves?
The stakes could not be any higher: life or death hangs in the balance. But even more importantly, the destiny of people’s souls is at stake.
We must remember that the fate of many souls depends directly upon the work Christ does through us. The abortion workers, the politicians, and the media personnel behind the abortion advocacy each have an eternal soul. Each soul the devil desperately wants to see join him in hell. And we are powerless to stop him succeed, unless we fight back with the spiritual weapons God has given us.
This is why we must keep in mind the pro-life movement is much more a spiritual battle than a humanitarian effort.
HUMILITY, NOT HUBRIS
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we read, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Do we believe this? Are we ready to do our part to make this happen?
Obviously, prayer must be our primary weapon in this spiritual fight. We are powerless without receiving our strength from the Lord. But beyond that, we must make penance a daily weapon, as well. By making small sacrifices to God, he will see how serious we are in desiring the holocaust of abortion to end.
Joining in the the prayer novena for the sanctity of life, as organized by our bishops, would be a good example of humbling ourselves before God.
“The victory belongs to the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31). He arms us, but we need to be sure we are fighting on the front He is calling us to and not waging war all alone. Things will come in His timing, not our own.
We can’t get caught up in taking credit for our wins and licking our wounds in our losses. If we focus too much on ourselves, we risk withdrawing from our power source.
Although the devil may be currently experiencing defeats in the number of child sacrifices through abortion, he is gaining in virtually every other area of the culture. He has made stunning advances with his Culture of Death in areas such as marriage redefinition, contraception coverage, etc. Let us recall these defeats before we become convinced of our own strength, as if we earned the credit.
Every pro-lifer must remember “the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
YOUR TURN
Do you see the wisdom in recalling the truth that this effort is about spiritual warfare, and not primarily a humanitarian effort?
Please leave your comments below!
