by Elisha Wahlquist, 3/17/06
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." (Ps. 127:3)
Our culture has drifted away from the Biblical mindset of children as a blessing and even a reward. When this materialistic, self-focused, pleasure-seeking society thinks of babies and little ones, it thinks "trouble" and "hassle." Others think of children as existing to meet their own needs, which results in frustration. The more soft-hearted people may exclaim, "How cute!" when they see a sweet baby and toddler in the grocery store, and in the same breath add, "I'm glad they're not mine!" True, babies and small ones do get in the way of the modern independent, "jet-setting" lifestyle - there are diaper bags to haul, messes to clean, and training to undertake! Modern culture teaches us to feel most comfortable among our peers, and to enjoy "being our own person," with no responsibilities or cares to tie us down.
But is this a biblical mindset, to feel that responsibilities are a bad thing? Should be avoided or at least limited? Titus 2:4-5 says,
"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
The older women, it says, should teach the younger women how to be responsible for a home and children. Nowhere do you find the Scriptures saying, "just let the younger women have fun on their own, without any responsibilities." Their responsibility before marriage is to prepare to be responsible, not to prepare to be independent and self-pleasing. Here are some more verses:
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
According to this, we are not "our own person," but rather, we are God's. We have a responsibility to serve Him and glorify Him in all we do, and keep our bodies and souls clean and pure. Christ has made us and bought us, as He calls us to servanthood.
So, the Christian life is about being responsible - for the time and talents God gives us, for the people He places in our care, and even for our own bodies, which are His temples. Responsibilities are planned to help us become more Christ-like, as we respond to their trials and problems correctly.
Children are a responsibility, but what a precious responsibility! The darling antics and wondering excitement of a three-year-old, the newfound responsiveness of a two-month-old, or the serious childishness of a seven-year-old are so wonderful and special - blessed gifts from God. Some responsibilities, like taking care of a house, are time-consuming without giving obvious reward. But children, though they take much time and trouble, are full of adorable smiles, little baby ways, and "firsts," and if we just are alert for them, we will be amply repaid for the effort we must spend. I remember a busy, exhausting day of errands a couple of weeks ago. We were waiting in the van while my 16-year-old sister ran a couple of books into the library, and everyone was too tired to think about "making conversation." Everyone, that is, except for my three-year-old sister. "Mommy, look, I found your special sunglasses!" she bubbled cheerfully. The whole atmosphere brightened considerably, just to hear her enthusiastic tones, and my mother remarked, "I don't know what we would do without a three-year-old." J
Another way in which children are a blessing are the natural chararacter qualities that they have. Now, of course, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child," and little ones are not any more exempt than we are from sin that must be rooted out. But we can learn from the humility and unaffectedness of children, as Christ showed in the following story:
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me." (Matt. 18:2-5)
I encourage you to not let the present hardships in raising children discourage you - babies are a blessing, as we focus on their preciousness and look to the wonderful futures that God has planned for them. He created them and placed them in our families for a purpose, and we can thank Him for that, trusting in His omnipotent plan! In closing, I offer this poem.
Tiny toes, a gurgling smile,
Beg "just pause and watch awhile!"
Blue eyes big, little clasping hand;
A joyful addition to our band!
Cuddly body, sized "just right,"
To hold it close - what a delight!
Button nose, chubby cheeks;
How baby's changing every week!
Darling ways we're learning to love;
Providentially given by God above!
Precious one, so small in frame;
How glad we are that baby came!
God's plan includes a baby now,
To perfect more deeply our servant's "vow."
This blessing came, a joy and test,
And we will rejoice, "His way is best!"
