Children: God's Rejected Reward
"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (2)It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (3)Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (4)As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. (5)Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:1-5, KJV
"Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in his ways. (2)For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. (3)Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants around thy table. (4)Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." Psalm 128:1-4, KJV
American Christianity has a tendency to focus on and seek after the promised blessings of God revealed through the Holy Scriptures. We want God to bless us. We ask for God's blessings in our prayers; we continually read the Scriptures reminding ourselves of his promises; we buy books explaining how to experience God's blessings; we attend conferences with speakers who expound the reality of God's blessings; and on and on and on. Seeking God's blessings, of course, is not bad. God himself wants to bless us. Paul reminds us that all the promises of God are given with an astounding "YES" through Jesus Christ. Generally speaking, the problem with American Christianity is that we ask God to bless us, then we set parameters to his blessing. In other words, we ask God to bless us, then we tell him how to bless us. The truth of this statement is clearly seen in our attitude towards children. Unfortunately, American Christianity -- in large part -- does not hold to the biblical view of children as blessings of God. If churches throughout the U.S. did hold such a view of children as blessings of God, then our churches would be bursting with large families. Sadly, they are not. In fact, today's American christian family generally resembles the family of our larger society: two kids, two cars, a house, and a pet. Even this picture is sadly changing as the birth rate for the U.S. has dipped below replacement level for the first time in our history. The average American family now has only 1.7 kids.
Children are God's rejected reward and blessing. Psalm 127 and 128 clearly teaches that children are a reward for a faithful, God-fearing life. Of all the promised rewards and blessings of God we seek after, American Christians do not seek after the blessing of children. We reject the notions of a large family due to financial concerns and other difficulties which naturally occur with large families. We have two children then joke among ourselves, "My quiver is full, thank you." Our attitude toward children is unbiblical. Children are the only blessing of God we make excuses for not thankfully receiving. What other blessing of God do we receive from God with limits? "Thank you for your love and provision God, but I only need this much..." "Thank you for the blessing of good health God, but I don't want anymore..." "Thank you for the blessing of emotional health God, but you can stop now, thank you..."
Why do we reject children as God's reward and blessing? Simply, because we do not trust God to provide for our family as it grows. Strip away all the excuses and what is left? Fear of the unknown and lack of trust in God. Why do we not trust God to provide? Because our world-view is in large part being shaped by the larger, non-Christian society instead of God's Word. As a father of six children I personally understand some of the doubts and fears you have when confronted with the possibility of a larger family. Your fears are based on what our society says, not on what God has promised. He has promised to give children to the faithful man (and woman) and then physically, financially, and emotionally provide for them (see the scriptures above).
What about those husbands and wives who cannot have children due to some medical issue beyond their control? God, because he is in complete control, has orchestrated such situations. I believe this is God's call for such families to adopt. Adoption is in complete alignment with God's heart, and is a picture of what God has done for us through Christ. Both the Old and New Testaments hold adoption in the highest esteem. I have an adopted son and I must say the entire process continually expands my understanding of my own adoption through Christ. I encourage husbands and wives: do not let a barren womb keep you from God's purposes and the blessing of children he has for your family.
Remember, the church has no future without children.
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Author: maxinfluence
Location: Taylor Michigan USA
Gender: Male
Age: 36
Blog Entries: 4 (archive)
Blog Comments: 1
i am a 33 y/o christian male, husband, and father of six wonderful children. i attend a large, nondenominational church in the detroit area. my hobbies include reading and spending time with my family. i work for a large automotive supplier in the detroit area, own and run a website...
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