The elections are nearing. Quite a stir has been caused by John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin as a candidate for Vice President. Likely the biggest reason for the static over the pick of Governor Sarah Palin is that she has taken a firm stand on protecting life. But the roller coaster financial situation is front and center news this week. There will likely be some other hot topic issue in a week or two.

Whenever we near key elections the question often posed by some believers is, “What issue or issues are most important to consider when deciding for whom I should cast my vote?”

But the question for me is not, “Who will do the most for the economy?” or “Who will bring our troops home the quickest?” The number one question for me when determining for whom I will vote is this: “Who will do the most to protect and preserve the lives of unborn babies?”

My concern when determining who gets my vote has less to do with the financial situation or the war on terror and much more to do with what God expects of us as a people — it has to do with how we as a nation protect or fail to protect the lives of unborn children.

This week Josh Harris shared correspondence on just this issue. Take the time to read this exchange Josh had with a family considering membership in the church he pastors. I think he has clearly and graciously stated the importance of considering the value of life over all other issues. Click here to read: “Correspondence on Abortion and Voting”.

Josh’s piece also reminded me of a brief article by John Piper I read a few years ago. Click here to read: “One-Issue Politics, One-Issue Marriage, and the Humane Society”.

And Al Mohler’s recent blog post on the issue of abortion is well worth your time as well. Click here to read: “Pressure to Keep the Baby? — The Descent Continues”.

I pray that believers will not stay home on November 4, 2008, but will cast their vote after they have prayerfully considered the abortion issue from a Biblical perspective. For me there is no issue of greater importance.

Justin Taylor highlights a good piece on crisis pregnancy centers from Time Magazine as well as some interesting and illustrative graphics. If you’re concerned at all about how the church can help women considering an abortion, the Time article is a must read.

Update 2/21/07: the Desiring God blog today highlights an interview by Justin Taylor of John Ensor, Director of Heartbeat International, about his new initiative to “open 3-5 ultrasound-equipped, medically licensed, fully staffed, Christian-based pregnancy centers.”