Wanna Be a Steader!

Be Fruitful & Multiply

Be Fruitful and Multiply

What the Bible Says About Having Children

~By Nancy Campbell, Distributed by Vision Forum

This is an interesting book with study questions at the end of each chapter.  I’m sure it would stir up a little controversy in nearly any women’s group or Bible study.  The topic?  Let the Lord choose your family size.

Admittedly, I’m quite confident in my opinion that most Christian couples do trust the Lord with regard to the size of their families.  Mrs. Campbell’s stand is that even well-meaning, sincere Christians have conformed so much to the world that we have lose our desire to fulfill God’s first command to Be Fruitful and Multiply.  This certainly is a matter for prayer for each and every family of faith.

I must say here that I agreed with some things, such as:  children ARE a gift from God, we must obey God rather than man, etc.  I also agreed with her stance that many women ignorantly choose their birth control without educating themselves as to how it works.  But, I confess that there were some things that I had questions about that I felt were not answered…

I, myself, would have loved to have had 5 children.  Our first beautiful daughter died of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – Crib Death) at three months, I then had two miscarriages before our other two daughters were born.  Apparently, that’s where God wanted our family numbers to end.  I figure that, yes, God did give me those 5 children…although I only have two remaining on earth, I will have all 5 for eternity!  But, Mrs. Campbell doesn’t address the difficulties that many of us face.  My concern is that some may feel somewhat condemned by that at the end of the book.

But, fear not!  I do leave you with a quote containing some hope and grace:  “The fact of the matter is this:  It is not a matter of our deciding how many children we should have, or should not have, but having a vision of God’s plan for marriage and family – a vision to bring forth godly seed for God’s glory.”  Amen.  No matter how many children we are blessed with.

hear hear!

10:33, 2008-Apr-19 .. Posted by JustaSEC

I agree with you totally about having 5 kids. We have 4 here and one still born waiting for us in heaven. Good post!

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10:45, 2008-Apr-19 .. Posted by rildapeel1

The best part is if you know Father God when you are creating a family. Lots don't so many aren't born. So my prayer is that no one leave the earth unprayed for even those who didn't get to be born I pray for them for God knows all and Praise God He loves us any way.
Just wanted to share what I just found, hope you don't mind. Blessings! rilda *U*

Precious Little One
I'm a precious little one who didn't make it there.
I went straight to be with Jesus,
but I'm waiting for you here.
Many dwelling here where I live,
waited years to enter in.
Struggled through a world of sorrow,
a world marred with pain and sin.
Thank you for the life you gave me,
it was brief but don't complain.
I have all Heaven's Glory,
suffered none of earth's great pain.
Thank you for the name you gave me.
I'd have loved to bring it fame.
But if I'd lingered in earth's shadows,
I would have suffered just the same.
So sweet family-don't you sorrow.
Wipe those tears and chase the gloom.
I went straight to Jesus' arms
from my loving Mother's womb.
~Author Unknown

AMEN!

01:23, 2008-Apr-20 .. Posted by blessingsbaound

No matter how many children we have.. each one is a precious gift that comes with an awesome resposibilty of raising them for His glory! Thanks for the reminder to be deligent about the tasks He has given us! With much love, Mrs. Joseph Wood

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07:23, 2008-Apr-20 .. Posted by gokings13

Ultimately, it is a Faith issue.

God asks us to "Trust Him in Everything". This area is no different. It's all about Trust.

It is unfortunate that people take a verse or two in the Bible and turn it into a doctrine. And with that 'doctrine' cause divisions in His Church. Divisions are not from God!!

Given the opportunity to do it over again? I would have served the Lord ALL my life....and I would have let Him control my family size. He blessed me with 3 kids in 4 years.......fertile murtle here :-)............and then I took matters into my own hands. He has forgiven me, and I am thankful for the forgiveness.

Laura

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06:08, 2008-Apr-21 .. Posted by Anonymous

In my 31 years as a christian, I have found the most ardent supporters of having as many 'seed' as God allows are not only a) ALIVE after multiple births, but also b)have not had the physical complications. Losing children through miscarriage is indeed heartbreaking; and knowing they are with the Lord a great comfort. This book, along with many like it, insinuate the integrity of someone else's faith. Period. It is quite a large log in the eye of the authors that write this stuff. To end up, my own husband desired we stop (and I agreed) after our third, and 'hairiest' birth. All 3 of our children live; and we are of course glad. Yes, in bible times I would have died with the first child, and she may have as well. But we went on to have 2 more. To each man a measure of faith is given. And here's where many are misled: the measure IS NOT THE SAME FOR EVERYONE, and the measures are PERFECTLY GIVEN.