What Does Scripture Say About Children and Having Children?

It is good to be reminded from the Word of God what the Lord says about children and having children. If we allow our culture to have the last and only words about this matter, it is proven and statistically reasonable that certain cultures - yes, even ours - will cease as we know it.

With that said, here are a few things the Scriptures have to say about the subject - this exclusively taken from Psalm 127:

1. Children are from the Lord. Too often we, even Christians, believe that children are ultimately from us. Our biological contributions are the beginning and the end of our offspring. But this is clearly not the case. They are from the Lord.

2. Children are a reward. They are a positive contribution to one's life, home and society - yes, even one's eternity. This is a much needed word, especially in a culture that seems to intrinsically view children as a burdensome curse.

3. They are like arrows. Arrows are usually made from less than straight and perfect branches. The warrior takes much care in forming the arrow, and when it is straightened out, sharp and fully prepared, he shoots it into the world with purpose and mission. Yes, our children are purposeful, not just for us, but for the world, for the kingdom. They must be straightened out in order to fly with precision. They must be sent out in order to fulfill their ultimate calling. And they must be sharp so that the enemy of Christ may not triumph over them.

More on this. Parents are the warriors that shape this weapon of war. When others raise our children, they are less likely to form the arrow properly. In the end, we are responsible. Others should not spend more time with our children than we do.

4. The work of raising children is better done in one's youth. Marriage and child bearing days are getting pushed later and later in life. I have three, almost four children now, and I am tired. I could not imagine having them later in life. I would probably not have as many. And while this is not an argument for how many children one should have (I could not possibly decide that for you), it is an argument that, if a culture decides to have children later in life, the culture will soon have less children, and consequently slip away.

5. Blessing follows those who have children. If you have a lot of children you are considered odd these days. According to this passage, you are blessed. The one who fills his quiver is blessed! Enough said.

This verb "to fill" gives us an idea as to how many children we should have. It lures us into child bearing with the idea and truth that those who "fill" their quiver will be all the more blessed. How many children should you have? The Word of God is clear - filling your quiver is good. Let the couple decide with their sanctified wisdom how many their quiver can hold.

6. Children are a good thing when we are old and cannot provide, protect and care for ourselves any more. They are a better retirement and investment than a 401K. Money will not argue for your rights (in the gate) when you cannot. Money will not change your diaper when we are too old. Money will not protect and comfort when we are dying. But children will. They will fight off our enemies and care for us as we lose the ability to do so for ourselves.

Simply put, children are a blessing. They are a sacrifice, but a reward. This passage is a refreshing confrontation of our popular culture today. We'd do well to pay attention. Our reward will be great!