Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. (Gen 1:28)
First, I wish to highlight some neglected commands of God whose neglect will bring problems to ourselves, both within the family and to our larger living environment. Thus, under normal circumstances, Christians have a responsibility to procreate. I wish to underscore an important spiritual principle: when God commands obedience in a certain matter, it is important to obey even if it is not convenient. More often than not, people disobey a command in order to circumvent an immediate inconvenience. But they only realize later that this is to jump from a frying pan into the fire: their refusal to obey a command 10 years ago returns to haunt them later in life. God is infinitely wise. When he commands something, obey Him. There will be difficulties when you obey but God will give you grace. Also, you will reap the benefits of obedience later in life. Hence, do not disobey for convenience’s sake.
Second, the government is right to encourage procreation but the Bible also emphasizes another familial responsibility: before God commands Adam and Eve to procreate, the Bible specifies what kind of children they are to produce. Just as “God created mankind in His own image” (Gen 1:27), Adam and Eve are to do likewise: procreate children who resemble God. This image does not refer to physical likeness but to spiritual aspects. We are raise children to become like God, people with a quality called holiness. That this is God’s desire is clear in the event that happened later: when mankind failed to live holy lives but in sin, there came a breaking point when God decided to destroy mankind through a worldwide flood (Gen 6-7).
Your child is a blessing from your kind Heavenly Father: “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him. (Psa 127:3). But if they are to become a real blessing, they must be able to live holy lives. I urge you to do several things. First, bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as soon as possible. Faithfully bring them to the Children Sunday School. Here, they are taught the gospel and God’s word systematically. Second, you must live a godly life because children observe you and will become like you. If you have a bad habit of missing Sunday Worship Service or do not read your Bible and pray faithfully, your children will be like you no matter what you say or command. Third, set aside 15 minutes each day to share and pray with the children. Have your children share their thanksgiving items and prayer requests. Read a portion of the Bible to them. If you do that consistently, your children will naturally read their Bibles everyday even without your prodding. Also be kind and gracious to your children. Children know the Heavenly Father through earthly fathers and mothers.
Be exemplary. This is the most effective way of raising godly children. If you love the Lord, your children will too. Then they will be blessed by God. God Himself will take care of them.