Monday, February 8, 2010

How Many Kids Are Too Many?


This morning, Carysse and I went to the grocery store. While we were in the check out line I was intrigued by the cover of this week's People magazine. I refused to spend money on that magazine so I couldn't wait to get home to search out what "experts" are saying. Of course I wasn't shocked by the findings. Mostly all secular opinions think that this couple is absolutely crazy and unwise. But what do you think??? What does God think???
Many believers proudly recite Psalm 127:3 - "Children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." However in many cases it's only because their gifts were favorable results. After they received the gifts they wanted, they were done. Likewise, after they received the gifts they didn't want, they were done. For example, after they have one of each gender, many couples say they're done. After that child with disabilities is born, many couples say they're done. After 2, 3, or 4 children many couples say they're done. So, what's the magic number? When do children stop being gifts and rewards? Is it according to us or the Lord?
Don't get me wrong or think I'm being too critical because I often wrestle with these same questions. But it seems like this is one of the topics that most of us believers take into our own hands. We trust God to lead and guide us in most areas but when it comes to this area, our actions say, "NO God, I have this under control. I can't trust You enough to let You have this area - Sorry!" So why do we do this? Do we truly believe that our God will supply every need of ours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19)? We have to understand that this verse says every NEED not every WANT. Can we really trust God to provide for every need of a growing family?
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So, I'm back to my first question, "How Many Kids Are Too Many?"

5 comments:

Lisa said...

Such a good question! We should talk sometime! :-) I have very limited good answers and I'd like to hear more of your thoughts.

Manda (+2) said...

hummmm. very interesting. I saw this too. Got me thinking.

Tricia Keierleber said...

I saw it too yesterday. :/

I want a large family, a very large family, and people think I am crazy. Now, we want it through adoption, but if God wants to through birth children in the mix we would be thrilled too.

The Ross Family said...

Wow Caryn... you have no idea how timely this post is! You have asked some GREAT questions and made some GREAT points. We have been praying for the Lord's will regarding the size of our family and I appreciate your perspective on the topic as it has made me realize that while I feel like I have fully submitted this decision to the Lord.... have I really???? We miss you guys a bunch especially as our little girls are about to turn 3 just 10 days apart:)

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog thru John Piper. I've enjoyed reading. I am a homeschool mom of 10 children to train on earth, a stillborn daughter & 16 year old son & three miscarried babies in heaven. Our "middle" daughter has had three open heart surgeries and just last week had a week stay in hospital to have her gallbladder out. My oldest is 23 - youngest 3 - one husband/wife. I would not trade having these children, the hard times, the learning times, the joy & tears. We will not be having any more, sadly, because my last 5 were c-sections, and the last baby took 45 minutes to get to cuz of scar tissue and I spent a long time in the hospital because of high blood pressure. Thankfully our baby was only taken a month early. But it did come to a point where we knew future pregnancies would endanger my life and the baby's. I am thankful for our full quiver.

I saw the cover of the magazine too. I did not read or buy.

Enjoyed reading about Christian as well.