Strength Through Children

One of the first commandments God gave to man was to "...Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth..." Genesis 1:28. While this passage may seem very short and simple, it actually says quite a lot. 

To multiply means to have an increase. It means to have children. When a man woman becomes married, it is not simple addition. The man and the woman multiply.  This is one of purposes in marriage. 

What does it mean to be fruitful?  This symbolic term is used throughout the scriptures. All fruits are referred to as either good or bad, bitter or sweet. Simply having children does not fulfill this commandment. What kind do we bring forth?  Are we going to teach them to be good, and to praise God, or are we going to raise up more seed into Babylon?  

In our marriage, God needs to always come first. Even in the relationship between a man a woman, God must come first. And the man and must not place their children higher than God. Nor can they place their children between each other. If a man and woman put their children before their spouse, it weakens the relationship. Raise your children into God and teach them to obey the commandments. 

What does it mean to replenish the earth?  By teaching our children to do right and to set forth s good examples, they help make to earth a better place for all and in this way we do our part to replenish the earth. Teach them to be respectful and productive. Teach them to avoid wastefulness. Teach them to be conservative and resourceful. Don't teach them to be idle, don't teach them to seek for entertainment, don't teach them to try to get gain for themselves. Teach them to be wise stewards of all the Lord has given them.