A Pastoral Concern on Marriage and Family (or, the lack thereof)

This pastoral concern was sparked by an article written by Gene Edward Veith.  The link to his article is at the bottom of this post.

A few weeks ago in Bible Class, I had posed the question: "Evaluate: We have a culture that devalues motherhood and despises large families."  The initial response was that the statement was extreme.  That was countered by people noting how much abortion had become a chief issue leading up to the elections.

Sadly, many young people have made it a goal to NOT have children.  Young girls are encouraged to pursue lucrative careers.  The encouragement also suggests that the career is doing something valuable with your life.  How many young girls are encouraged to be wives and mothers?  How many are told that being a stay-at-home mom is a noble vocation?  Well, if you ask Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, he will let you know that such a sentiment invites the wrath of many people. (For the full transcript of his speech, click here.  Scroll down to "A Message to the Women Graduates" to find his allegedly controversial statements about motherhood.)  When he upheld the vocation of wife, mother, and homemaker, he was vilified.  People called for him to be fired.  One person even posted where he lived, implying that he should be persecuted if not outright killed.

This is what the Lord says: "Indeed, children are a heritage from the Lord.  The fruit of the womb is a reward from him.  Sons born during one’s youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.  How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them" (Psalm 127:3-5).  The Lord declares that children are a blessing.  It is a blessing which was established upon the creation of a man and a woman (Genesis 1:28).  It was repeated after the Flood when Noah and his family left the ark (Genesis 9:1).  It is a blessing meant for as long as the earth endures; that's why people have a sex drive.  Now, if children are a reward, then being a stay-at-home mom is a high and noble calling.

Some might see this as a condemnation of women who have careers.  Let's be clear: Anyone can contribute to society with a career, but I suggest to you that there is no greater vocation in this world than father/mother.   What greater influence can someone have on society than in raising godly children? Unfortunately, those vocations are being avoided, and many who are avoiding them are taking great pride in resisting marriage and family.  Beware: This celebratory attitude will become deep regret in your old age.  No elderly people are celebrating loneliness.

Here is something from Gene Edward Veith at his Cranach blog about this issue.  He backs up the sentiment that marriage and family are being despised with some statistics which, I hope, will be shocking and disconcerting.   “They Will Say, ‘Blessed Are The Barren'” | Gene Veith