Our modern world has a strange perspective on children.
For most of human history, they have been considered a blessing.
The arrival of children was accompanied by great joy.
They meant security for parents in old age.
Lots of children were a sign of a healthy
and growing population.
They meant the promise of a productive workforce and
the creation of wealth.
In short, children were a blessing.
But something has changed in the last few decades.
A different perspective has taken over, mostly
in the Western world.
Unwanted pregnancies are now often seen as an obstacle
to the happy life.
Especially for those having sex outside of marriage,
pregnancy can just be seen as a complication, not a joy.
But even for those who want children, who love their
children, what starts out as a series of coos and smiles
and snuggles, someday, somehow can turn into a series of
overwhelming burdens.
Raising children is a challenge.
Children can frustrate you and disappoint you.
Even with the best intentions, some parents can wonder,
where did I go wrong?
Where is all this conflict coming from?
How did this blessing become a curse?
These are important questions and worth pursuing.
How can the arrival of children go from being one
of the greatest blessings of life to a curse?
Or, at least what feels like a curse?
We'll seek to answer those questions today
on Tomorrow's World.
But first, get ready to note down a phone number or address,
because in a few moments I'll give you an opportunity to
order the free study guide we're offering today,
Successful Parenting: God's Way.
So--Are Children A Blessing Or a Curse?
I'll be right back with the answer.
♪
Welcome to Tomorrow's World, where we help you make sense
of your world, through the pages of the Bible.
For millennia, having children meant the hope
of prosperity and security.
But something's different today.
Something has changed.
In our affluent world, children are often considered a hassle.
They get in the way of personal aspirations.
They're sometimes seen as a hindrance to people's desire
for sexual freedom without the burdens of family life.
Abortion is the ultimate expression of this view.
And many countries around the world allow abortion by law.
But abortion is murder, no matter what any
government of man says.
Frankly, laws allowing abortion are a sign of the times.
As the Psalmist said in Psalm 94:20...
"Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
have fellowship with You?
They gather together against the life of the righteous,
and condemn innocent blood."
How appropriate this verse is for our day.
In the U.S., 37 states allow abortion by law.
That's actually more restrictive than it was
just a few years ago.
In 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned
the Roe vs. Wade decision of 1973.
Even so, since 1973, about 63 million babies
have been killed in the United States.
In the last few decades, one estimate is that 20 to 25%
of the youngest generation has been lost to abortion.
In any other context, this would be considered
a crime against humanity.
Around the world, abortion goes on at an even more
shocking rate.
According to the globalcitizenssolutions.com
website, almost 90% of countries have laws allowing abortion.
And that comes to about 73 million abortions
taking place every year.
Children who never had the chance to run, play,
see the sun or take in a breath of fresh air.
And that's more than the entire population of France
or the United Kingdom.
Truly, our advanced, enlightened world,
is at war with children.
Now, understand.
If you've had an abortion, you can be forgiven.
Like so many other areas of life, if we've made mistakes,
if we're sorry and repentant and express that in prayer
to our Heavenly Father, He will forgive.
But we must ask for it.
And we must be heartfelt and sincere.
Children are our future.
We can see this not only in a moral sense, but also
in economic terms.
A country's national prosperity depends on
a healthy birthrate.
Evangelist Stuart Wachowicz is our colleague and fellow
presenter in the Canadian version of Tomorrow's World.
Back in 2022, he recorded a program entitled,
"Fewer Babies: Population in Decline."
You can find it at TomorrowsWorld.org.
Referring to a 2019 Financial Post article by Joe Chidley,
he said this:
"Chidley points out that in the 1960s, growth in the West
was in excess of 5%.
Through the 1970s, it hovered about 4%.
But by 2019, nations struggled to hit 2% or less.
Why?
'The decline in demand growth has coincided with a sharp
increase in the proportion of the elderly in developed
economies--in the Group of Seven, it has doubled since
the early '60s.
It has also coincided with a decline in fertility rates,
from an OECD average of 3.2 children per woman in 1961
to 1.7 children per woman in 2017.'"
The OECD is an organization comprising 38 of the more open,
democratic, free-market nations around the world.
Mr. Wachowicz then explains this economic slide is
not surprising, given the drop in birth-rate over
the last few decades:
"Many demographers and economists have predicted
this as the result of a major cultural change
in Western nations.
For a population to replace itself, there must be an
average birthrate of at least 2.1 babies per woman.
Yet in many nations, this is no longer the case."
So, are children a blessing or a curse?
Aside from the moral implications of abortion,
killing future children is disastrous for a nation.
In the long term, it destroys the very economic prosperity
people are trying to preserve.
But what does God say?
From the beginning of time, God intended marriages and expanding
families to be a blessing, a part of His general plan.
In Genesis 1:27, we read of how God worked with Adam and Eve...
"So God created man in His own image; in the image
of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Then God blessed them, and God said to them,
'Be fruitful and multiply; [and] fill the earth.'"
God wanted a large population on the earth.
It was His desire that they would fill the world with
a vibrant, functioning and productive society.
In speaking of His promised blessings to Abraham,
He told him, in Genesis 17:6...
"I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make
nations of you..."
God's blessings to Abraham meant he would have many
descendants, expanding into powerful tribes
which would become nations.
Solomon echoed the same idea in Psalm 127:3...
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the
children of one's youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them..."
Yes, happy is the man who is blessed with children.
Even today we see that children and grandchildren
can provide security and comfort to those in their sunset years.
And many elderly do lean on the support and encouragement
of their extended family.
They are blessed because of their children.
No, God never intended family-life to be a curse,
but rather a mechanism to produce positive benefits
throughout life.
And yet, so many well- intentioned fathers and
mothers who do love their children and want their
children to thrive, still become frustrated by the
daily grind of raising these children in an evil world--
in an age when you get very little support on how to
live a godly life.
So how can you face raising children not with frustration,
but with faith and confidence?
I'll address that in a few moments.
At this point, let me pause to mention the free study
guide we're offering today, Successful Parenting: God's Way.
Written by long-time pastor, father and grandfather,
Jeffrey Fall, it explains the purpose of marriage and
family in the first place.
What is the purpose of this repeating cycle of life?
If you have children-- or are just concerned
about the next generation-- you need this booklet.
It will answer so many questions that perplex even the experts
on this vital topic.
So, order yours right away.
Call, click or order by mail.
Order now.
♪
For today's free offer call...
Or go to...
This clear and straight- forward resource will
help you understand this vital truth--
straight from the pages of the Bible.
If you're calling for the first time,
you will also receive a free annual subscription to
Tomorrow's World magazine.
Six inspiring issues discussing news, science,
and modern culture will help you make sense of
your world from a biblical perspective.
Call today and join millions around the world
who are turning to Tomorrow's World for
truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times.
Call now!
Or go to...
♪
In the last segment of our program, we saw that we're
living in an evil age filled with unspeakable brutality.
What does it say about our society today, when,
potentially, the most dangerous place to be for
a child is in the womb of its own mother.
But even for parents who want to have children,
what do you do when taking care of that little bundle of
joy turns into a daily grind?
It can feel overwhelming.
And then as children grow, the challenges just get
more complicated.
Navigating through choices of dress, music, friends,
games, and the inevitable battles about screen-time,
it can be discouraging.
Especially when there's conflict.
The idyllic moment when that precious life came to be,
can become just a vague and distant memory.
But don't worry.
Keep the big picture.
You can navigate the inevitable lows that
all parents experience.
You see, children are precious.
But why?
That's a vital question to answer.
They're precious because they're made in the image of God.
That is repeated in Genesis 5:1...
"This is the book of the genealogy of Adam.
In the day that God created man, He made him
in the likeness of God.
He created them male and female, and blessed them
and called them Mankind in the day they were created.
And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a
son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth."
Seth was made in his parents' image and likeness.
Many people, even professing Christians,
read right over this and miss the point.
But it's significant.
You see, Adam and Eve's son, Seth looked just
like his parents.
He had eyes, ears, a head, hands and feet.
The same description is used of Adam and Eve being
made in God's image.
In other words, we look like God.
And we all--including our children--have the potential
to be born into His literal family forever as His sons
and daughters.
And that's why our children are so precious--they are made
in the image of God.
God wants us to highly value our children.
Jesus illustrated that when He was on this earth.
Notice in Luke 18:15...
"Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them;
but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them."
The disciples were saying these children were just in the way.
They're a hindrance.
Jesus had more important things to do.
And yet Jesus said, "No, let them come to Me."
He had a different attitude.
Going on, Luke 18:16...
But Jesus called them to Him and said,
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not
forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God."
Jesus took them up in His arms.
He took the time to hold them and bless them.
He wanted His disciples to understand, that
He loved children.
Are our children perfect?
No, not by a long shot.
But that's okay.
Because they need to be taught by us.
And we also learn a great deal through the process.
Training children is not for the faint of heart.
It can be very discouraging at times.
They will frustrate you.
They will annoy and aggravate you.
They will test your patience to the utmost.
They might even make you think, "What's the use?"
If that ever happens to you, don't give up.
You can do it, but you need God's help.
And you need the help found in this Book, the Bible.
Notice what Paul said in Ephesians 6:1...
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment
with promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may
live long on the earth.'
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath,
but bring them up in the training and admonition
of the Lord."
This is good advice for fathers.
When are you tempted to provoke your child to wrath?
Well, when you're at the end of your rope.
When you're frustrated, when you're tired, or exhausted.
And yet that's when you must be in control of your emotions.
You must keep your wits about you.
You've got to remember, you're not just feeding and
clothing and providing for that child.
You're training a future potential member of
God's Family.
What about mothers?
Notice Proverbs 31:26...
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue
is the law of kindness...
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a
woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."
When you're maxed out, when you can't go on,
when you have had all you can take, it says,
"Don't forget the law of kindness."
God can give you help and strength and wisdom.
Notice Proverbs 29:15...
"A child left to himself brings shame to his mother...
Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul."
Your children need you.
But not just for their physical needs.
They need your love, they need your instruction and yes,
even your gentle correction.
If you correct them, in love, you'll be blessed;
in the end they will be a "delight" to your soul.
They will "give you rest."
That sounds pretty good.
You see, God is heavily invested in the training
of our children, and wants to be involved.
But we have to ask Him.
And that makes all the difference.
At this point, again, I'd like to pause to
mention the free study guide we're offering today,
Successful Parenting: God's Way.
As pastor and Tomorrow's World writer Jeffrey Fall states:
"If we maintain the guiding principle of rearing children
"in God's image," we will have all the resources of the
Creator God to draw on.
If our ultimate goal as parents is to bring up our children
"in God's image," it will become our guiding light and
central theme for everything we do in our family."
God wants you to succeed in your role as a parent.
Let this booklet help guide you along the way.
You need this resource.
So call, write, or order online.
Order today.
♪
This clear and straight-forward resource
will help you understand this vital truth--
straight from the pages of the Bible.
Call now!
Or go to...
♪
Welcome back.
In the last two segments we discussed the question,
are children a blessing or a curse?
We saw that some people simply see children as a hindrance
to their happiness.
Their solution is to get them out of the way.
Tragically, for too many, that means abortion.
Others want children, and love them, but get worn down and
discouraged by the day in and day out demands of raising them.
If that's you, God will help you if you ask for His help.
But there's another element to address.
And that is the big picture as we live in the end-times,
just before Christ's return.
It doesn't take much spiritual discernment to understand we're
living in the last days.
This is a time of increasing hate, violence,
and antagonism against the biblical values of the Bible.
As this happens, it shouldn't surprise us to see a slide in
morality and conduct in general.
And if that's happening in society at large, how could
that not include children?
Notice what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1...
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents..."
Should we be surprised if we see an uptick in
anger and rebellion among young people?
If there is a general attitude of resistance
against God and His ways, why would there not be
the same attitude among the youth as well?
Going on, 2 Timothy 3:2...
"...unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving,
slanderers, without self-control, brutal,
despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having a form of godliness but denying its power."
I find myself turning to this passage more and more
when thinking about the days we're living in.
This passage seems to describe our times so
well, and more with each passing day.
Now, here's a note of caution.
Don't label all young people as problems.
It's so easy to judge and condemn the current
younger generation, but who taught them?
Who created the world they were brought into?
In truth, are they not just taking the secular,
anti-God values they've inherited one step further?
And, actually, there are many in the younger generation today
who are bucking the trends and seeking to do the right things.
If you're older, painting younger generations with
a broad, condemning brush isn't helpful.
Instead, reach out to the young people in your life
and try to make a connection.
But be careful about unsolicited advice.
From time to time, we get calls from grandparents ordering
literature from us for their children or grandchildren.
If they want it, that's fine.
But if they're not ready for it, unwanted advice is usually
not taken well.
And regarding grandchildren, understand--in most cases,
they're not your direct responsibility anymore.
Don't tell their parents how to raise them, unless
they're asking for help.
Instead, just be the best example you can possibly be.
Praying for them and having a spirit of love and respect
does more than all the lectures and harangues put together.
Even when relationships are strained, be uncompromising
in your values, but don't burn bridges.
Do everything you can to maintain a connection.
As Paul wrote in Romans 12:18...
"If it is possible, as much as depends on you,
live peaceably with all men."
You never know when, down the road, the bridge you
don't burn might be the path you use to reconnect.
When a society descends into an attitude of defiance
against the God of Heaven, it doesn't happen in a vacuum.
It affects everything.
Including family relationships, interaction between parents
and children, and a general antagonism toward those
in authority.
Notice what Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 3:4.
He was particularly writing about the downfall of ancient
Judah and Jerusalem, but the same is true in any society
that is descending into chaos.
Notice Isaiah 3:4...
"I will give children to be their princes, and babes
shall rule over them.
The people will be oppressed, every one by another and
every one by his neighbor; The child will be insolent
toward the elder, and the base toward the honorable."
Going down to verse 12...
"As for My people, children are their oppressors, and
women rule over them.
O My people!
Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy
the way of your paths."
And that's where we are today.
We've come to a point where it almost feels like children--
at least many children, not all, but many--are our oppressors.
Because, well, we as a debased and corrupt society
have created them.
But again, if you want something different, if you want to please
God and honor Him in your life in general and in working with
your children, don't despair.
Because even in the context of Isaiah's description of a
total breakdown of society, notice what he said,
in Isaiah 3:10...
"Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them,
for they shall eat the fruit of their doings."
Say to the righteous, "It will be well with them."
Do you want to follow God, even in the midst of a
perverse and evil generation?
If you do, God will help you.
And He will help your children.
Psalm 128:1 continues the theme...
"Blessed is every one who fears the Lord,
who walks in His ways.
When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy,
and it shall be well with you."
The same wording.
If you turn your heart to God, and commit to following Him,
whether in good times, or in bad, "it will be well with you."
Going on, in Psalm 128:3...
"Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very
heart of your house, your children like olive plants
all around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord."
What a beautiful picture of a happy and blessed family.
And even in today's deceived and darkening world, many
still do invest in building successful marriages,
and training their children together.
To the degree they do that, they're blessed.
I recently received an encouraging letter from
a Tomorrow's World subscriber to this effect.
I'll tell you about it when I come back.
But before that, let me once again mention the free study
guide we're offering today,
Successful Parenting: God's Way.
Dr. Fall writes:
"The experience of parenting can be one of the most
challenging and difficult tasks in a parent's life,
yet it has the potential of being the most fulfilling and
richest experience in life!"
This booklet can revolutionize your family, and your whole
approach to raising your children.
You need this booklet.
It's free--we want to send it to you.
So call, write, or order online.
Order now.
♪
For today's free offer call...
Or go to...
This clear and straight- forward resource will
help you understand this vital truth--
straight from the pages of the Bible.
If you're calling for the first time,
you will also receive a free annual subscription to
Tomorrow's World magazine.
Six inspiring issues discussing news, science,
and modern culture will help you make sense of
your world from a biblical perspective.
Call today and join millions around the world
who are turning to Tomorrow's World for
truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times.
Call now!
Or go to...
♪
In today's program we've asked the question,
"Are Children a Blessing Or a Curse?"
I recently got a letter from a Tomorrow's World
subscriber, responding to an article of mine.
He wrote to tell me about how the principles of family and
child-rearing we teach in this Work, are consistent with
what he learned over 45 years ago, from our predecessor,
Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong.
This gentleman spoke fondly of his wife of over 62 years;
his son and his daughter, and his six grandchildren.
He even sent me a picture of his son, and his son's four sons
and their wives.
He mentioned this scripture in Psalm 128 and how it compares
children to olive plants.
There are many fascinating aspects of the olive plant
used in the Bible.
But one he pointed out to me was how valuable olive oil
was in ancient times.
I didn't know this before his letter.
But olive oil, in times past, was actually used as a
currency exchange, because of its high value.
No wonder the Psalmist compares our children to
those same olive plants.
You see, children are not appendages.
They are not just clumps of tissue to be cut off if
they cause inconvenience.
And they're not just annoyances to pacify
with an iPhone or a tablet.
They are invaluable, precious and priceless.
They are potential members of God's eternal family.
And He has given us a great privilege to participate in
the process of preparing them for that destiny.
What an awesome and blessed plan our loving Father has
for us and our children.
Thank you for watching.
And don't forget to order your free copy of
Successful Parenting: God's Way.
And be sure to join us next time, as Gerald Weston,
Wallace Smith, and I explain the Good news of Tomorrow's World,
and the truth, comfort and hope it can bring to you
and your family.
♪
For today's free offer call...
Or go to...
Call today and join millions around the world who are
turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope
in these confusing times.
The preceding program is produced by the
Living Church of God.