Why Become a Parent?

Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. (Ps 90:16)

I know at least one couple about my age who explicitly decided to not have children so they could concentrate on their careers, travel, hobbies and retirement investments. From the perspective of this world (in our culture in America), there is actually not much reason to become a parent. So, why have children?

Whether physically or spiritually or both, all God’s servants are all called to have and raise children. Our primary purpose for existence in this world is to share in creation with God. We are to have and raise spiritual and possibly physical children who will seek and fear God and who will also produce more godly children.

Why become a parent?

Wrong reasons
- to be “Lord” over children
- to show off my maturity
- to be served by my children
- it’s “the thing to do” (it’s the custom)
- to vicariously enjoy little league and other sports
- to have some one to socialize with
- to have some one admire me
- to “play house” or have living “dolls”
- for the short term pleasures

Good reasons
- to raise up a Godly heritage
- to increase genuine Love in this world
- to build God’s Kingdom into future generations
- to grow in Christ’s self-sacrificing and unconditional love
- to have a family that is a light for Christ
- to raise up and send out arrows and warriors against the Satan
- to raise up genuine followers of Christ
- to raise up mature, wise, and equipped adults
- to encourage godly marriages and families
- to pass on an inheritance of godly character, values and goals
- to give all I can for Christ who gave all for me

Project:
Ask God for motivation, wisdom, strength and the death-to-self love to be a parent of spiritual children who will also raise a godly heritage.

Ps 103:17 -
But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

Ps 128:6 –
Indeed, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

Pr 13:22 -
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;
And confirm for us the work of our hands;
Yes, confirm the work of our hands. (Ps 90:17)