Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is defending the fact that hundreds of millions of dollars of the forthcoming stimulus package are to be spent on “family planning.” Her argument is very simple. The economy is bad. Having babies costs money. Would-be parents need to save their money by not having babies.
Without a doubt, Pelosi’s remarks reflect the spirit of the age. In general, our culture has come to view children as a burden rather than as a blessing. Even among those who are married, children are increasingly viewed as add-ons—an option that may or may not be pursued by the couple.
This view of children is anything but biblical, and it is positively sub-Christian. From the very beginning of creation, having children has been associated with blessing from the Lord. God commanded Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply”—which was apparently the necessary condition of their ruling over the earth (Gen 1:28). Psalm 127:3 states very clearly that “children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward.” When his disciples attempted to dismiss curious children as a nuisance, Jesus said, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).
For a more helpful perspective on welcoming children into our families, take a listen to Russell Moore’s conversation on “The Albert Mohler Program” last week. You can download it here ...
I listened to Dr. Moore on the Albert Mohler Program mentioned. It was really good - I wish I had been taught some of this stuff earlier. Unfortunately I bought into society's philosophy of waiting until you were "ready" or could "afford" to have kids. My biggest regret in my marriage is that I kept my wife from having children for more than 3 years because I wasn't "ready." I got to the point where I actually asked my sister why anybody would have kids. Thank God (and my wife) for showing me grace and patience. If only somebody had knocked me upside the head and told me to grow up and be a man instead of just asking when we were going to have kids. At least now maybe God can use me to do just that for somebody in the next generation.
UPDATE: Upon further reflection, I owe an apology to anybody - particularly family and/or friends - who may have knocked my upside the head, but I was still too thick headed to feel it. Nobody else is responsible for me but me, and it was wrong of me to try to pass the buck and blame somebody else. I won't accept that in politicians; I won't accept that in my kids; and I will not accept that in myself. Particularly as I trust in God's sovereignty, I cannot honestly look back and say that I would change anything, because it's all a part of His plan to bring me where I am today. So looking forward, I hope in God & pray to Him that I will lead a life and a family that communicates the inherent value of children as a blessing from the Lord, as well as the responsibility of parents - particularly fathers - to disciple their children and pass on lessons such as these.
(HT: Vitamin Z)
1 comment:
Nice to hear hear this, at least to this sister's ears. A sister who loves you and has often considered whacking you over the head. I think I have on occasion, but I'm not sure. ;-) Anyway, it is incredible to see how we can assimilate wordly mindsets without realizing it, isn't it? (Incredible in a sad and humbling way!) Thank God for His grace. And for kids!!! :-) I know I'm hoping for more of 'em in our home in the years to come....
It is good to know we can trust that God's sovereignty covers all of these things. It's important to learn and grow, while at the same time knowing that He is molding each one of us in the ways and timing that He knows is best. (And who knows? Maybe one day some friends or family will actually be able to whack you upside the head and not fear retaliation. ;-) ha ha Just kidding.)
Seriously, I imagine that part of what the Lord has done here is to help you be able to extend the same grace to others who are growing on this journey and have also taken on our society's view of having children. I know most people think we're only having this third one to see if we can "get a girl" this time. And when I tell them that we have no preference as to the gender, and mention we're hoping we get to have more after this one, they look at me like I've got sixteen heads. It certainly brings out interesting opinions.
I'm hoping to be able to spend some more time before long looking into some of these links and clips. I really appreciate Baucham's ministry, but am not familiar with Moore at all, I don't think. I'll stop rambling now, but thanks for sharing how the Lord is working in your life. He is GOOD!!!!!
Love you.
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