This is a popular quote from William Ross Wallace. I think this is true. We can just look at the state of the 30 somethings and younger and tell that many of them were raised or "their cradle was rocked" by people working 12 hours a day at a minimum wage childcare job. When exactly did we, as a society, quit looking at motherhood as a profession. For goodness sake, we used to have classes in highschool to prepare us girls to be homemakers. Remember home ec. I took home ec and what I learned in cooking has been very valuable. (Ask my husband!) My point is that not to very long ago, we considered being a homemaker and a mother as a worthy profession. Even now you will hear some people say that it is the hardest job in the world, but they don't really see it as rewarding or noble. But it is both of those things. Well, when we quit looking at as a profession, we quit studying for it. Why bother when we are only going to really be taking care of this baby for a couple of months before turning it over to someone else. It constantly amazes me that my sisters in Christ are the same way. I think that the "job of motherhood" has responsibilities. These include:
1. Proper nutrition from conception to adulthood. Now am I always perfect? No. Do I go through the drive through? yes. I usually feel guilty, and I should. These children are a blessing from God. Give to me to nurture physically and spiritually. Processed and prepared foods are not good for us. This is from pregnancy, to breastfeeding, and on up until they are out of my authority. Women, we were obviously made, by God, to be having babies and breastfeeding them, and then having more babies. The way we were created shows Gods intention that we be with our babies. This is why they depend on us moms for their nourishment. If you think that formula is just as good, do some research. It is specifically NOT GOOD. Lest you think I am sitting in judgement, I will confess that my first child was not exclusively breastfed and had formula. I have discovered since then that this is not God's plan for babies.
2. Biblical discipline. This is another one that I struggle with. This means very clearly that if I love my children I will consistently and concientiously discipline them. If they don't learn from me to be obedient to me, then they will struggle more being obedient to the Lord.
24He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently Proverbs 13:24. WOW! HATES HIS SON!
3. I hear all the time from people sending their children to secular schools that they are supposed to be a light to the world. This is their mission field. This also is hard because I had my first son in a public school until he was in the 5th grade. Now I know alot of you will roll your eyes at this. I also know alot of kids turn out "just fine". There are 2 problems with this. The first is that "just fine" is not supposed to be the goal. Raising warriors for Christ should be. Salvation is not the finish line. We have got to see that. The second problem is that our responsibility is not foremost to everyone elses children, but to our own. They other children are a secondary responsibility. When we switch those around, we are making a mistake in our priorities. Listen, this culture has made a golden calf of education. Everyone needs to be educated, I will agree, but when we place the importance of education over the importance of the childs "training" and walk with Christ then we have made an idol of knowledge. Let me also point out that Jesus started his ministry in his 30s.
4. Lastly, lets consider that we may be teaching our children to be materialistic. I know this is going to be a bit harsh, but I think some of us need to consider this. If we are putting children in the care of someone besides their mother so that we can have 2 incomes, we are basically telling that child that money and the things you get with money are a priority over them. Many will balk and say this is not true. We have to have my income to survive. I seriously believe (and I have made the same mistakes) that many, many Christians desire to live somewhat differently than the Lord would have them, drive nicer vehicles, worship at the alter of higher education, etc. This is a hard pill to swallow. From above -- Women, we were obviously made, by God, to be having babies and breastfeeding them, and then having more. They way we were created shows Gods intention that we be with our babies. This is why they depend on us moms for their nourishment. If you think that formula is just as good, do some research. It is specifically NOT GOOD. Lest you think I am sitting in judgement, I will confess that my first child was not exclusively breastfed and had formula. I have discovered since then that this is not God's plan for babies. Plus, it costs more, adding to the "expense" of the baby.Many times if we take our JOB seriously and learn how to do it, we may not need that other money. If you had a garden, knew how to sew, and repair things yourself, many of the financial burden would be lifted from your husband. "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10
One thing that sticks in my head though is what Jesus said. Matthew 25: 45 45"Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me."
Do we consider, in everything we do to or with our children:
"If this were Jesus is this the decision I would make?"
