What is Our Purpose?

How great is it that we live in the age of information? I love that there is so much out there to read and study at the click of a button. I’d be a little embarrassed to admit how many times I use Google every day! Sure, sometimes it can all be overwhelming, but it’s worth it when you find something that is just what you were looking for or needed to hear.

I have been having an internal debate for quite some time now. Does that mean there are voices in my head? Maybe so (ha ha). It all came to a head a few weeks ago when I was handed a book to read. If you read my blog regularly or know me in real life, then I hope you know that I’m not here to drag anybody through the mud. I won’t mention the name of the book here, but if you wish to know it feel free to e-mail me.

It would also be crucial to point out that this book came to me in a Bible study setting. Like any material for a Bible study, I think we must be very careful when considering someone else’s opinion or personal conviction, as opposed to what is actually scriptural. There were many, many things in the book that I disagreed with, both personally and spiritually. I decided immediately that I could not participate in the study. After some discussion between the group leader (who is a trusted friend) and myself, and then the leader and our pastor, the book has been tossed out as Bible study material for our group of ladies. Please understand that I don’t think everyone must agree with my opinion! I think it is wise and healthy to discuss differing opinions and viewpoints. In fact, I hope that is exactly what will happen now that the book has been in the spotlight at my church.

I’ve kept you in suspense long enough. My main issue with the book is that the author seems to be pushing the idea that every married woman must be a mother, and that it is her primary purpose and calling. Interestingly enough, the author is a middle-aged single woman with no children. She has obviously come to terms with the fact that as a Christian woman it is acceptable to remain unmarried. However, she clearly doesn’t think that married Christian women should be childless. This raises so many concerns for me. The most obvious one, of course, is that I don’t wish to remain childless! I haven’t chosen this path. The only one who can rescue me from this situation (God) has not yet done so. I don’t like it one bit, but I trust Him completely. I’m willing to let Him handle this, through natural means or through medicinal means. Either way, He’s in control.

There are other situations to consider on this topic besides infertility. I don’t believe that every married woman on the planet WANTS to be a mother. Is she ignoring her primary purpose in life if she chooses not to have children? Is she missing her calling? I don’t think so. I personally believe that a Christian woman should seek to serve the Lord as her primary purpose, no matter if she is married or single, fertile or infertile.

A couple of days ago I came across a blog post that rocked my world. I can’t wait to share it with you! I believe it was no coincidence that it came my way. I wanted to stand up and shout after reading what Amy had to say here. The post begins with some political talk, but that’s not what I want to debate here. I want to direct your attention below that and to the heart of the post, about a woman’s highest calling.

I love being a wife and I believe it is part of God's will for my life. I try to honor God and my husband daily. I strongly desire to be mother and have the utmost respect for those who do it well day in and day out. As long as I am living for Jesus I feel as if I am serving my purpose, whether I ever have children or not.