To procreate, or not to procreate -

In discussions with unrepentant sinners, let's get to the point. We, as Christians, must carve through the fluff in conversation and get to the heart of the matter. When my pagan buddy and I do get around to some hearty discussion, I observe some characteristics in him which appear to be consistent with most enemies of the Gospel. Primarily, his endeavor to suppress the truth in unrighteousness is clear in the amount of fluff that clutters up spiritual issues in his mind.

For instance, as I held my darling Alyssa in my lap last night, this chap shared with us how he intended not to bring children into this dreadful world. He said he didn't want to have children who would have to deal with all of the hate, despair, and wickedness in this world. He's got things so backwards in his mind that he actually thinks this is a virtuous approach to family life.

He cannot grasp God's Word in verses like these from Psalm 127 "...children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward...Happy is the man who has his quiver full of [children]..." The pagans cannot understand the blessings from God and the promises associated with "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it," or "he who begets a wise child will delight in him," or "bring [children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord." The Word of God views "multiplying greatly" as a blessing, a reward even.

But the carnal mind is at enmity with God. The mind of those with lost souls is lost as well. They can't imagine any ultimate good in raising children. Their minds can't fathom high purposes. The pagan father cannot repeat the verse in Proverbs 23, "My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."

Let's not bicker with the unconverted about the practical issues of the day. Let's ask the questions that reveal the sin, the depravity of the heart. The carnal mind will not accept the things of God until we first lay their heart bare with the utter despair of having no hope apart from Christ.