Children in the land of Babylon

I've written before how Nate and I aren't sure about having children. There's always the possibility that the world will end, that one or both of us will not live, that we won't be able to have children or that it's just not God's will for us.

One thing we've talked about is that we're not sure we want to bring children into this messed up world. At church the other week, it was mentioned how Jeremiah and the Israelites at that time were called to procreate and bring children into the messed up world they lived in. Those children were supposed to make a difference in that terrible place.

I guess that's the way you have to look at having children at any time. The world always seems to be going down the tubes. In bad times and good, people continue having families, and you have to trust God and bring up your kids in a way that will teaches them to make a positive difference in a dark world.

One of my friends said that you never know if your kids will make a positive impact. You might have a child that rebels against everything you have taught them, and they might be a horrible impact.

But the Bible says to teach children the way they should go and when they are older they will not depart from it. It's up to parents to be a good influence and to teach their children what is right. Then you simply have to trust God to work in their lives and help them be that positive influence in a dingy culture.

We don't know what the future will hold, and we're content to live one day at a time. However, if we do end up with an extended family, we'll have to remember that even if the world looks bleak our kids can make a difference. We don't have to follow the depressing pattern that is around us, but we can have that positive impact, if only from the help of God.