[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Do You Believe Children Are a Blessing from the Lord?

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?

Effects from the Abortion Debate

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 are 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 94:20-21):

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 (“Our Youngest Generations are Missing Millions,” Population Research Institute). 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 globalcitizensolutions.comwebsite, almost 90% of countries have laws allowing abortion. 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. That’s more than the entire population of France or the United Kingdom. suTruly, 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.

The US Population Decline: Our Future at Risk

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 a 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’” (“Fewer Babies: Population in Decline,” tomorrowsworld.org).

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” (“Fewer Babies: Population in Decline,” tomorrowsworld.org).

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.

What Does the Bible Say About Children?

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.

Be Fruitful and Multiply | Genesis 1:27-28

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 replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:27-28).

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.

Children Are a Heritage from the Lord | Psalm 127:3-5

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… (Psalm 127:3-5).

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. 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 is conflict. The idyllic moment when that precious life came to be can become just a vague and distant memory.

Don’t worry. Keep the big picture. You can navigate the inevitable lows that all parents experience.

God’s Plan for Creating a Family

You see, children are precious. But why? That’s a vital question to answer. They are precious because they are 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 (Genesis 5:1-3).

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.

What Did Jesus Say About Children?

God wants us to highly value our children. Jesus illustrated that when He was on this earth. Notice 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 were a hindrance. Jesus had more important things to do. And yet Jesus said no, let them come to Me. He had a different attitude. Notice Luke 18:16.

<block>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, He loved children. Are our children perfect? No, not by a long shot. But that’s OK, because they need to be taught by us. And we also learn a great deal through the process.

How to Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go

Training children is not for the faint of heart. It can be very discouraging at times. Children 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 6:1-4.

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, tired, 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 are 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, 17.

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 instruction and, yes, even gentle correction. If you correct them, in love, you will 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.

Godly Parenting in the Last Days | 2 Timothy 3:1-5

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 are 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 3:1-2.

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 3:2-5).

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 are 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 rightthings. 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 may 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 (Isaiah 3:4-5).

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 (Isaiah 3:12).

And that’s where we are today. We’ve come to a point where it almost feels like children—many children, not all, but many—are our oppressors because, well, we as a debased and corrupt society have created them.

God Will Help You and Your Children

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.

The Value of Family | Psalm 128:1-4

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 (Psalm 128:1-2).

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 (Psalm 128:3-4).

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 are blessed.

I recently got a letter from a Tomorrow’s World subscriber, responding to a Tomorrow’s World article of mine. He wrote to tell me about how the principles about family and child-rearing we teach in this Work, are consistent with what he was learning over 45 years ago, from our predecessor, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. He spoke fondly of his wife of over 62 years; his son and his daughter, his six grandchildren. And 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 are 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.