Life is getting more and more exciting around the Cunningham household as my wife enters into the third trimester of her pregnancy. In a little under three months we should be meeting our first son, and we are pumped.
When people find out that Margaret and I were married in March and have a baby coming in late January, they generally do two things: 1) Do mental math to see if there are 9 months between March and January. 2) Ask if it was planned.
Both questions can be answered in the affirmative. (Just in case you were wondering.)
But why did we pursue pregnancy so quickly? After all, aren’t young couples supposed to enjoy freedom for a bit before “settling down”? This idea, one that has been adopted by Christians and non-Christians alike, is why I’m writing today.
There are so many believers who don’t have a truly biblical view of children. More specifically, younger couples often (but not always) view children through the lens of what they will have to give up. For instance, they view having kids as less disposable income, less late night parties, and less alone time with their spouse. Those things may be true, but they are not the primary way we should view children.
Children are a blessing from the Lord.
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. (Psalm 127:3-5)
Yes, children are a great responsibility. But when young married couples flee the gift of parenthood in order to keep a hand on the fleeting pleasures of extended adolescence, they are missing out. God’s Word makes clear that kids are a source of joy and blessing, so Christian couples should wholeheartedly pursue the blessings of parenthood.
Please don’t hear me saying that you are in sin if you don’t have a kid within a year of your marriage. That’s not my point at all. I know many couples who desire children, but cannot, for one reason or another, have them at this time.
Rather, I am addressing those who are neglecting parenthood because they are not ready to grow up yet. To them, I say that God has much greater things in store for you than the ability to go out with friends without having to worry about hiring a babysitter. He wants to give you the blessing of a life that you are able to nourish and shape. Think what a blessing it will be to spend years loving on and discipling your son or daughter!
Christians, let us be a truly pro-life people, ones that show it through the way we faithfully and joyfully strive after the blessings of parenthood.
Fill your quivers. Sharpen them in the Lord, and then launch them into this world as weapons for the kingdom of heaven.
Cody A. Cunningham 