April 29, 2024
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed on January 13, 1984, that January 22 would be the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. That date was the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion-on-demand in the U.S. in 1973.
This month reminds us of the 51st Anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which led to the deaths of over 60 million babies in the United States alone.
The good news is that we can once again celebrate the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and recommit ourselves as the hands and feet of Jesus to working together to build a culture of life in Georgia that ministers both to mothers and babies.
This is an important decision that took place in 2022, that now opens the door for the issue to be dealt with from a state legislative perspective rather than a federal judicial perspective. Those who are for the sanctity of all human life must get more involved to make sure that we have true, pro-life candidates in the state legislatures.
It is important that we promote the next National Sanctity of Human Life Day on Sunday, January 21, 2024!
Now more than ever is the time that churches should educate and inspire their members to be involved in the pro-life movement. It would be great if every church had a message preached from the pulpit on God’s view of human life this month!
There is no doubt that from a mother’s perspective, respect for human life begins in the womb (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139). We need to believe and teach this so that abortion will become unthinkable in a post-Roe era. By doing so, we will also have a positive impact on the value and sanctity of life outside the womb. Trusting the Lord’s value for ALL human life makes a BIG difference in our culture! See the Georgia Baptist Convention’s 2014 Pro-life Resolution.
I am so thankful for Lorna Bius and ministries like Mission Georgia and their emphasis on maternity care, foster care, and adoption. Also, for Suzanne Guy and LIV (Life Initiatives and Values) ministry at First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Ga., who are educating and caring for mothers and babies. They are making a big difference in showing how we can love our neighbor in difficult times for God’s Glory and the gospel!
Please feel free to contact me if you would like me to come and speak to your church on the sanctity of human life. I would love to be of help to your congregation in a post-roe era! God bless you all as you stand for LIFE!
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Mike Griffin is the Public Affairs Representative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
