In consideration of the unity issue, I was reminded of the chap who jumped to his feet in church 
 shouting out, "Praise the Lord." From across the aisle the reply came: "We don't do that here." One 
 can imagine what a quandary that would be for the newcomer sitting in the back pew. 

 Now, imagine a similar scenario at a pro-life strategy session. One asserts: "I think too much is being 
 made of banning D & X abortions. We need to focus more on Planned Parenthood." The next says 
 touring with graphic oversized pictures of aborted babies is not the most effective educational 
 approach with schools and universities and that we should educate youth on chastity beforehand. 

 Still another contends that those who defy existing laws are counterproductive and that we should 
 change things from the top by nominating more pro-life candidates to public office. 

 If there was a new recruit in the crowd who thought he had a calling to do pro-life work, he might just 
 be tempted to think again. 

 Providentially, that is not how our meetings are conducted, but that is not to imply we are in full 
 agreement on all strategies or that we approach every issue in the same way. 

 Common goals 

 Although the pro-life effort consists of various specializations, each member shares and supports the 
 common goals and aspirations of the body at large. 

 The unifier is the Holy Spirit from whom we receive our abilities and to whom we subordinate them. 
 Dynamic pro-life ministry, then, is a special work of Christ and our reliance on Him is total. 

 A leading pro-life evangelist spoke of actively defending life as a natural outgrowth of a sincere spiritual 
 walk. Out of sanctified lives committed to serve the Savior comes the passion to be "a people of life 
 and for life," as has been so wonderfully spoken by the current Pope. 

 Pro-life activity is not merely a sympathetic gesture towards the victims of the current death culture, 
 but a wholehearted demonstration of our love towards each and every human life, from conception to 
 natural death. 

 Christ, through His cross, has abolished death and brought life to light as the Scriptures tell, and 
 those endeavoring to preserve life manifest His redemptive love. To assume organizational finesse or 
 practical savvy or academic prowess warrants "solo flying" which disregards the work of others. It can 
 sow the seeds of discord and dampen the morale of others, essential to the work. 

 We can take a sincere interest in the projects of others, even though they may need further developing 
 or fine-tuning. To berate such ideas as untenable, with the "we know best" attitude, is the Pontius 
 Pilate mentality that betrays innocent life. 

 'Combined efforts' 

 If such posturing robs the movement of would-be, ardent pro-life warriors, we cut off the branch on 
 which we sit. A crisis pregnancy centre director, known for her practical wisdom, sums it up, when 
 she says: "The end of the abortion holocaust will come through combined efforts." 

 The battle is the Lord's and the call to action is both urgent and compelling. As we strive together, let 
 us show genuine care and concern one for another, that the work may not be hindered. "Lest Satan 
 should get an advantage of us. For we are not ignorant of his devices" as the Scriptures warn. 

 In our deliberations, there are decisions to be made which lead on divergent paths. 

 The low road incorporates bitterness, manipulation, gossip and carping with strife and contention. 

 The high road embodies compassion, submission, patience and courtesy, with meekness and 
 humility. The one leads to barren and unfruitful ministry, the other carries us on to fulfil the task 
 entrusted to us. As faithful pilgrims we cheerfully press forward, led by His gracious omnipotent hand. 

 Speaking of cheerful, remember the quip: "Cheer up, it gets worse from here." Sometimes, we tire 
 under the strain and struggle. It's when problems arise beyond the pale of human reckoning that we 
 can find that extra measure of strength at the mercy seat.  

 It's then we can say with the psalmist, as we fix our eyes on Jesus, "Though I walk in the midst of 
 trouble, Thou wilt renew me." The secularists know nothing of such blessed assurance, because they 
 have not gazed long on Calvary's tree. Our God is a God of inscrutable purposes and the pro-life 
 body's needs are met at the foot of the cross. 

 Social cost 

 We need to shift our view from focusing on the current order of things to the eternal order of God's 
 kingdom. We constantly dedicate ourselves to this mindset, but often lurking in the back of our minds 
 is a social cost. Although at times the battle seems longer then our allotted hour here, compared to 
 the light of heaven's eternal day, we will live far above regret, allowing our lives to be gladly spent that 
 some might live. 

 It has been said, that he who forfeits that which he cannot keep, is wise. In so doing we become a 
 contradiction to this world, yet our lives plainly testify whose world it is, and to whom we pay homage. 

 Dearly beloved, let us continue to fight the good fight, united in His love.