DINCs, this is for youFirst there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the Boomers, the Those of us who have crossed the Rubicon into parenthood know all about the liabilities involved - expenses, additional stress, unasked-for criticism, awakening to cries at 3 a.m. We also know its joys - a baby's smiles, that first step, the first words, clapping for the little league big play, giving away the bride to a worthy man. And, well, yes, we know about the challenges it presents us - having to be more responsible and less impulsive, coming home on time, planning ahead, having to set a good example, having your inconsistencies and little hypocrisies exposed. It is in this last area - parenthood's challenges - that its greatest blessings lie. Children force us to become less self-centered, to think of another person's interests ahead of our own. It is true that God will also be teaching DINCs to become unselfish, but the learning process will probably be more drawn-out and difficult for them. What I'm saying is that children can be the chisel God uses to sculpt us into the image of Jesus Christ. Those loving relationships you form with your children can pull you through any trials. The Bible is quite clear about the value of children: "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate" (Ps. 127:3-5 niv). All of this, and we haven't even mentioned relieving the emptiness felt by all of those PODWOGs (Parents of DINCs Without Grandchildren)! Think about it. |
Want to go deeper?The Greek word huios ("son") can refer to a literal son, step-son, adopted son, grandson or more distant descendant, or even a spiritual son. The first four of these alternatives all come into play when discussing the status of Jesus with regard to Joseph and to David. Assuming that Jesus really was conceived of the Holy Spirit instead of a human father, Joseph was his adopted father and David his distant ancestor through Joseph's adoption. Luke, however, connects Jesus to David through his mother's ancestry. Paul calls Timothy his "child" in the faith (1 Tim. 1:2, 18; 2 Tim. 1:2; 1 Cor. 4:17). He says the same of Titus (Titus 1:4; 2:1) and of Onesimus (Phile. 1:10. In these instances he uses a synonym of huios, teknon ("child"), employing the plural, tekna when referring to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 4:14; 2 Cor. 6:13) and the Galatians (Gal. 4:19). The Apostle John uses the diminutive plural form teknia "little children" to address the audience of his first epistle (1 John 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21). This is the same term Jesus used to address his disciples on at least one occasion (John 13:33). Another synonym Jesus used to address his disciples in John 21:5, the plural form of paidion "child" also recurs in 1 John (2:14 and 2:18). All of these terms, huios, teknon, teknion, and paidion, express the closeness and affection that Jesus had with his disciples and that believers have with one another, a closeness paralelling a literal parent-child relationship.
Larry Moyer. Welcome to the Family! Understanding Your New Relationship to God and Others A practical and easy-to-follow guide, this introduction to the basics of Christian growth concisely answers questions on relationships, prayer, fellowship, temptation, confession, discipleship, evangelism and more. Ideal for helping new believers or for anybody involved in follow-up programs, this handy little manual is a great "refresher" for mature Christians, too! Recommended for online reading: Alfred Plummer. Comment on teknia in John 13:33 from his commentary on the Gospel of John. |
Busters, the Boomlets, and Generation X. Now we have the DINCs, which stands for Double Income, No Children. I'm not talking about those who are unable to have children or who postpone having children until their financial crisis or mega-time-commitment to career has stabilized. I'm referring to those who are determined not to have children. Ever. Period. If this is your situation, please consider what follows.
