Last summer I had a conversation with some pro-life Lutherans regarding the work of Lutherans For Life. We talked about applying God’s Word to the life issues. We talked about the resources LFL produces to help connect God’s Word to issues like abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem cell research. We talked about the need to have pastors connect the Gospel to the life issues from the pulpit. Then the topic of funding came up and I was told, "We give to ‘right to life’ because that’s where the real work gets done."

I have to admit I was pretty frustrated by that statement. I don’t disagree with the work of other "right to life" groups or think they shouldn’t be funded. Changing legislation and educating the public are certainly worthy efforts. Anyone who works in a caring pregnancy center can tell you the difference an ultrasound makes or the importance of parental notification laws.

Don’t we all want to see a cure for the ills of society? Isn’t finding the cure where the real work is being done—and where we should focus our energies and our funds?

Finding a cure took on a whole new meaning for me in the last few months, as I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. I became a member of this "pink ribbon" club. Everywhere I turn I am inundated by efforts to raise research funds to find a cure for cancer. Certainly a worthy effort—but is that where the real work gets done?

What if man never finds a cure for cancer—or abortion is never made illegal? Getting through today as a cancer patient—or a post-abortive woman or a pregnant teen— it is sometimes hard to think about the future. If we look at our own situation right now, where is our hope?

Don’t despair! The real work has been done! The real cure for life’s problems has already been found! The "real work" to save lives and change hearts was done by our Savior on the cross. The Gospel applies to each of our lives right where we are today!

I’m reminded of Jesus talking to the disciples on a road to Emmaus. They, too, were looking for answers—for cures—now that Jesus had died on the cross. They thought He was the One, but now it was back to waiting for the Savior to come.

All that time and effort—in human terms, was it worth it? Should they have been putting their energies into finding a man-made cure for the world’s problems? Would they go back to their "real work" now?

I really don’t like having cancer. The world would have me ask why. Why me? Right now the doctors believe they have removed all the cancer from my body, but it might come back. Maybe there will be a cure by then! Perhaps if I buy several pink ribbons and participate in some cancer walks, I will be cured! Is it wrong to do these things? Perhaps not, if you research where your funds are going before you donate. But is that where I should put my focus?

As a Christian, the real question is "why not me?" I’m no different than anyone else—I deserve hardship as much as any sinful being. But, is there a cure?

As a baptized child of God, I know that I have already been cured by Christ, regardless of what happens to my physical body. I receive healing through Word and Sacrament regularly. I cling to those gifts and as I look around me, I see many people struggling who need that cure. There is "real work" to be done in proclaiming the For Life message of the Gospel!

Having cancer, or an unplanned pregnancy, or a debilitating illness isn’t God’s work. God’s work gives us real hope in times of real crisis. God comes to us with the cure because of Jesus’ real work on the cross. Yes, there are many pro-life organizations doing good work in the world. If their work is God-pleasing, there is nothing wrong with supporting them. But prayerfully consider the real work of Lutherans For Life when you decide where to invest your gifts.

Consider these words of Jesus to His disciples that first Easter: