The Abortion Cross

I know that most of us have seen the Abortion Crosses in the yards of our churches in Blount County.  My church even puts them out for several weeks out of the year.  I wonder though, what message does this send?  "We are against abortions", "We are against murder".  It does say those things I guess but that can't be why the Abortion Cross is displayed.  If it is, we should put out Adultery Crosses and Lying Crosses because we are against adultery and lying.  Is the intent of the Abortion Cross to stop little girls from getting an abortion because they saw the love of Jesus coming out of the cross?  If that is the intention, we missed it badly.  Maybe the intended message is political.  Maybe the Abortion Cross is put up to try to sway voters.

Whatever the reason for the Abortion Cross, my opinion is that it does more harm than good.  The Abortion Cross doesn't scream love or even hope.  These crosses aren't symbols of resurrection of our Lord, in this case, they are symbols of graves.   They are reminders of "Look what you did".

I wonder if one hurting, crying, alone little girl ever attended a church because of the church's Abortion Cross display.  When talking to her boyfriend about what to do, did he say "why don't you go talk to someone at the church with the Abortion Crosses, I bet they will understand".  

What about the little girl or woman that had an abortion.  For the rest of her life, she is haunted by the decision she made.  It will never, ever go away.  Even when they have been forgiven, there will always be that hurt.  And when they are hurting and looking for help, will they go to the Abortion Cross church?  Absolutely not.  

I drove by my church a couple of weeks ago on a non-church day and saw the Abortion Crosses.  I then drove through the park and saw some teenagers.  I was taken to tears when I began to dwell on the remote possibility of one of those girls having had an abortion and now they have been reminded once again of what they did.  Many girls/women that have abortions never tell anyone.  Churches should be a sanctuary for hurting people and the the church shouldn't do anything to keep them away.

The bible says "There is therefore no more condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit", Romans 8:1.  If the church believes that, then why to we provide another tool for the devil to use all in the name of "standing up for what is right".  

In marriage, we pick our battles wisely.  I think it's time for churches to do the same.

I know most of you won't agree with me and that's OK.  This is my opinion, it doesn't have to be yours.  I just ask that if you are responsible for putting out Abortion Crosses, ask yourself "Does this really show the love of Jesus?".

I love you and God does too,
John Knight

Is this how Jesus sees us?

I'd like to share a text with you that Kim sent me yesterday.

"Epic morning with Kelsi this morning.  I love that little rascal.  She is amazing, she loves me so good and she is fun to love.  Unlike everyone else, she sees no flaws in me.  The older girls don't see me like she does.  One day, things will change.  But for now, she is my princess and I am her favorite queen."

 All of my life, I've loved the scripture that says "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter in" (Luke 18:17 NLT).  I've always associated this with faith.  It takes childlike faith to be able to accept and believe the Gospel.  

Romans 14:17 tells us that the Kingdom of God is "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit". I don't think that is the only definition for the Kingdom of God.  Graeme Goldworthy  summarizes the Kingdom of God as "God's people in God's place under God's rule."  I like that summary, especially when I think about it in terms of Christ.  Jesus is saying that if you don't receive God's people like a little child, you can't be a part of God's people.

Back to Kim and Kelsi (mother & 4-yr old daughter).  Kim's text about Kelsi is exactly how Jesus looks at (receives) Christians that have been covered by his blood.  Kim has never done any wrong in Kelsi's eyes.  Not only that, she is Kelsi's favorite person...favorite queen!  Every meal Kim makes Kelsi is the best she has ever had.  Every moment Kelsi spends with her mom is spent as though it would be her last.

I was blown away when God revealed this to me.  Jesus is all-knowing, all-powerful, omniscient, and omnipresent.  He created everything including you.  Yet when he sees us, it's not through judgmental eyes wondering why we act this way.  He sees us with eyes of acceptance like a child.  He wants every moment that you will give him.  And like with our children, every moment you give Him will never be wasted.  But we can't stop here.

This is also how God want's us to look at and accept others.  He wan'ts us to ignore flaws as though we can't see them.  He wants us to forgive trespasses like he forgives us.  He wants us to give like we own it all anyway.

God loves us so incredibly much.  He desires a personal relationship with all of us.  He want's to be with you at home and at work, not just at church.

God loves you and I do too!

John Knight