A Compelling Consideration

“Do you know what causes that?” asked a seemingly well-meaning man at church, as he gestured towards my pregnant belly. Some day I’d like to be quick enough to ask “no I don’t, would you mind explaining?”, or even better, “yes I do! We’re quite good at it.” wink

His question made me ponder: why have we as Christians traded the truth for a lie when it comes to children? As a young mother, everywhere I turn I’m being told children are too expensive, they are too much work, having too many is selfish, pregnancy and newborn days are too hard, it’s better to wait, etc, etc.

Do we or do we not believe God when He tells us that children are a blessing and a heritage to us? (Psalm 127:3-5) That Jesus loves the little children and beckons them to Himself? (Mark 10:14) That children (all of us at some point) are fearfully and wonderfully made? (Psalm 139:13-16)

Why is it that Christians do not live as they say they do? Why do we agree with God that children are a blessing, and then say “not for me though, two is enough!” or “those newborn days were too hard to do again.”? Do we really believe that God, who is the giver of all good things, would not sustain and equip us to then care for these precious gifts? Should we not, instead, remember that it is the Potter who shapes the Clay?

My plea to all reading this, is to truly consider how you think about children. In your heart of hearts do you find them to be a hindrance? Annoying? Constantly in need of attention? I urge you to turn from this sin! Look at these children as whole persons! Look at them for who they truly are: precious and beloved souls, eternal souls, made by God as a gift! How can we look at them and despise them, when we were once just as helpless or rambunctious? How can we suggest that our children are to be seen and not heard when Jesus rebuked His disciples for precisely the same thing?

I write this as a humble worker by your side. I struggle with these same thoughts and often fight discontentment as I ponder if there is more to life. But I cannot deny that these children that I have been given are my richest blessings, aside from a godly, loving husband and a Savior that loves me. I cannot deny that they will be my life’s greatest work! Not without challenges and frustration, but my greatest work, nonetheless.

I urge you, dear reader, to consider how God views children. Ask Him to help you see them the way He does. Life is sweeter when you look at your children as whole people, eternal souls, discovering the world in all their innocence. These days are fleeting; do not waste them away with selfishness. We’ve been given the gift of shepherding precious souls to the glory of God. Let us not despise this gift!