Mother's Day: 5 Day Bible Plan Намуна

The value of the childless in God’s story

We all want our lives to matter; it’s a desire that was placed on our hearts the moment we came into this world, and as we grow up, we begin to form an idea of what gives life value. We may think we made this list up all on our own, but our definition of a meaningful life will always be a mash-up of the many voices surrounding us, and I’m yet to find someone who doesn’t believe that marriage and kids form part of this list. One of the deepest fears I have carried with me over the past few years has been the fear that my life has less meaning because I’m not a mother. It sounds silly when I say it out loud, and I know from my friends who have kids that the question of purpose and meaning is just as dominant in their lives as mine. But I still hear all the comments and casual lines about how nothing is more important than being a parent; I still see all the social media posts declaring parenthood is the most meaningful contribution you can give to this world. Somewhere deep down I believe that whatever I do needs to be really spectacular if it’s going to even come close to matching the meaning attached to raising a child.

‘The Message’ translation of the passage in Isaiah 56, says that the eunuch should not declare ‘I’m damaged goods. I don’t really belong.’ I know there are so many times when I’ve declared I don’t belong here, but this passage is a reminder that God says your life has great value. The passage then continues to describe the special honor God will give to the eunuch because of their dedication to serving Him.

The verses in 1 Corinthians describe the church as a human body made up of different parts; so even though your life looks different to those around you, this does not mean you don’t belong in the church. There have been so many seasons of my life when I’ve felt my childlessness declares I don’t belong, but this passage is a great reminder that a body can’t be made up of just one part. I know that even though I don’t arrive to church every Sunday with a brood of kids with biblical names, I am not inadequate. What is even more amazing is that those who feel weaker are, as Paul says, ‘indispensable’ and should be ‘treated with special honor’!

We all want our lives to matter and we can spend years hustling to inhabit the criteria we think gives our life value, but the truth is your life has always mattered. Your life has always mattered to God; without changing a single thing about yourself, you already matter.

Take some time to think about what you believe determines whether or not your life has value.

Look back over this list and reflect on where this criteria has come from. Does your list reflect who God says you are or the voices around you?

Ask God to help you to let go of the criteria that doesn’t come from God.

Sit in his presence and give time to reflect on and inhabit the truth that your life has always mattered to God.