These cells have demonstrated no known benefit for treating illnesses but they presumably hold great potential to do good. Based on such passages as Psalm 51:5 we recognize that in the destruction of an embryo a human life is lost. So, whether promising discoveries result from embryonic stem cells or not, it is the wrongful taking of human life. For that reason you rightly oppose such research and are just in your concern about your tax money going to pay for it.

Tax money going to support things unscriptural is not unique to embryonic stem cell research. There are a variety of things that are supported by tax money with which Christians would rightly be concerned. Even in the time of Christ and the Apostle Paul the money extracted in taxation was often used for terribly sinful things, not the least of which to persecute Christians. Yet, Christ indicated that we are to pay taxes (Luke 20). So what is a Christian to do?

The Christian is always to be a force for good in a world naturally opposed to God. He or she brings “good” through good deeds (Matthew 25) but especially through proclaiming good news (Acts 14:15).

There are two general things a Christian can do. A Christian can be a force of good by actively seeking to stop tax money from supporting sinful things. Of the two options this is the easier one. It requires focus effort with measurable results. That directness makes it the simpler of the options.

The second option requires more effort and faith but is far more effective. That option is to faithfully evangelize the world. It is when people ask first “what would God have me to do?” that they will only pass laws that do not defy God’s laws. They will only ask this question when faith reigns in their hearts. For that to happen the Word of God needs to be shared and the Holy Spirit change the heart. This miracle is an action hidden from immediate measurement. Rarely is there the gratification of instant results. It involves seed planting and nurturing and waiting as God makes it grow.

Christian Life Resources, an agency affiliated with the WELS and ELS, contacted all of our churches in the state of California prior to Proposition 71 coming up for a vote. The effort was designed to better inform members about the matter of stem cell research. As other states take up this matter Christian Life Resources will also be networking with congregations to protect the youngest of human life. For more information on this topic go to the Christian Life Resources sponsored website: www.ClearlyCaring.com

As an individual there are things you can do. Seek out all legal avenues to protect human life. Talk with legislators, write letters to them, write letters to the editor in the local newspaper, encourage open forums on the matter, etc. Be structured, organized, credible, and methodic as you oppose something already now in place. As you do so, keep “looking over your shoulder” for other comparable issues are always sprouting up. But as you do all of this, look carefully at your personal witness of faith and ask how you can do more to proclaim God’s Word to all people.