We need much wisdom as we approach parenting and raising our children, and until Christ’s return Christians have the privilege and duty to raise their children in the love of God, obedience to his commands, and true hope in Christ our Savior.

A while back I read a series of articles by author Alex Berenson on the diminishing birth rates in wealthy countries. In this series Berenson attempts to determine why, particularly in times and places where infant and childhood mortality rates are extremely low and resources to raise healthy children are vast, so many people are choosing to remain childless.

Along the way in the series, Berenson features numerous reasons suggested by readers for the current state of children being out of favor, including but not limited to: selfishness, fear of the unknown both in regard to children’s health and various world crises, expenses in raising children, and the fact that many people have bought into progressive thinking that bringing too many people into the world is bad for humanity’s continued existence.

To be clear, Berenson is not addressing the ability to have children but rather the choice about whether to have children.

Thankfully, as I read through the comments I found that a lot of people have seen through progressivism’s lies regarding the supposedly moral obligation to deny oneself the opportunity to be a parent. They decided to have children anyway, much to their overall happiness. It’s interesting to read the comments in another post by Berenson on this topic, as well as an extensive reflection by one of his readers on over-parenting in a culture obsessed with safety.

Sure, there were sacrifices along the way for these parents, such as less money and time to spend on themselves, but the joy and fulfillment they experienced in loving and raising their children were far beyond what they had imagined.

Children are a blessing from God.

As Christians, however, we shouldn’t be taken in by secular teaching that demeans God’s design and purpose for procreation. We have God’s good word to guide us, and the Bible is clear that children are a blessing from God:

And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” (Gen. 33:5)

He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord! (Ps. 113:9)

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Ps. 127:3-5)

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