Priceless Treasure

Imagine that one day, God reaches down from heaven and gives you a treasure.  Not just any little old treasure, but a treasure that will make you richer than the richest man in the world.  A treasure that is so great that its value is unfathomable.  This treasure will drastically change your life.

What would your reaction be?  Would you try to give it back?  Would you ask God to take it back because you're not ready for the responsibility of being the steward of this treasure?  Would you tell Him that it's too heavy for you to carry and you don't really want it because it will become a burden? 

Or would you happily accept this priceless treasure with joy in your heart, knowing that, if God gives it to you, He will also help you care for it?

Psalm 127:3-5 "Behold, children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

I've spoken to a lot of people who don't want more than one or two children.  I understand that God gives some people a desire for a small family and others a desire for a larger family, but the reasons given for wanting a small family are often selfish reasons.  One of the reasons I hear most is financial strain.  They say they can't afford more kids.  Not a single person I've heard use this reason is anywhere near poverty.  If they have another child, it will not mean rationing food and worrying about becoming homeless.   What it does mean is no new electronic toys this year.  It means shopping at thrift stores instead of department stores for clothes and toys.  It means driving a used vehicle instead of a new one or not trading up your vehicle for a newer model.  But would you rather have a worldly "blessing" or a God-given one?

It saddens me when I see a parent being asked whether they plan to have more children and answering with an incredulous laugh.  They eye their children from across the room and reply that the ones they have are more than enough.  Hopefully, their children don't ever hear them respond in that way.  How do you think it makes the child feel to hear that their parents see them as so much work, so much trouble, that they don't want any more kids like them?

I'm not saying that everyone should have a large family.  Obviously, God has a different plan for each family.  What I'm saying is that we need to stop using selfish excuses to turn down blessings from God.  Children are not a burden.  They are a precious gift.