77%. That is the percentage of Americans according to the Dec 2012 Gallup poll, that identify themselves as "Christian". 77%.
Christian is defined by Merriam-Webster as "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ."
So 77% of Americans profess belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I am reiterating this because I am having trouble understanding how this adds up. You see, the culture around me does not reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. Particularly in one area. The Sanctity of Life. There are few things that I am sure of but one of the things I know without a doubt is that Jesus Christ saw life as Sacred! In fact he thought life was so important, that he died for it! So how is it then, if Jesus Christ taught that life was Sacred, that the 77% do not? Again, I have trouble understanding this.
This year alone the sanctity of life has taken great hit. According to the Planned Parenthood website "abortions are very common, 1 in 3 women will have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old." (My heart aches just reading those words.) "Anyone of any gender or age can now by 'emergency contraception' over the counter for anywhere from $10.00-$50.00."
Please hear this.... yes, the life of this unborn child is sacred, however, to each woman out there who makes this decision for herself, your life is sacred also. You are so precious. Please know that you have a Savior. You have a perfect parent who has given you one awesome instruction book. He loves you so much he went to the cross for you. He does not want you to hurt. He promises to never leave you. He is so faithful. He wants to carry every burden you try to bear. Please know, yes your child means a lot, but so do you.
To the 77%.....
James 1:27
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
I want to go out there and say.... this sounds like a command to me. Not just a suggestion.
Now, I do not write this to tell every Christian that they need to adopt. Even though that is our calling and passion, I know God does not call everyone to this. However, each one of us needs to be fulfilling this command in some way. Maybe by being a parent figure to a child who does not have a stable home life. Maybe it is to a college student who hadn't quite been equipped for the world yet. Maybe it is a child you interact with through your own child's school or athletic program. Maybe God is nudging you to be more involved in adoption. I urge you to do this.... seek God... he wants to help you fulfill this command. Trust me! He will show you your orphan and widow.
Lastly, the last part of this says we are to keep ourselves unstained from the world. 77% I urge you... it is time to stand out. It is time to look different than the world. It is not just about believing the teachings of Jesus Christ, but acting on them. See you out there!
