Only Christians Deserve Kids?

Spiritual parenting, according to my Women's Study Bible notes, seeks to impart to children a love for Scripture, a commitment to a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and a link to an organized body of believers in which children can serve the Lord and be edified in the faith.

This type of influence in a child's life develops "little people" who are respectful of themselves and others; who appreciate opportunities afforded them and sacrifices made for them; and who become independent, confident, God-fearing adults who make positive contributions to this world.

However, carnal-minded parents or absent parents have an equally significant effect on what their children become. Parents who either believe that the world owes their children something or don't care enough either way to get involved or stick around for the rearing of their children are responsible for children who will hear no one, who blame everyone but themselves for their behavior and actions and who are potentially nothing more than a drain on society.

If I am ever afforded an opportunity to question The Creator, my one criticism would be why are we allowed to become parents without first proving our worth? Why do so many get the opportunity to mess up children's lives when there are at least an equal number of spiritual, committed persons yearning for children, to no avail? Why do little ones suffer because selfish mothers and/or fathers care more for themselves than the awesome gift granted to them?

Now for the really scary part, Melvia Lett Fountain is a local (Hattiesburg, MS) school administrator and may be reached at melviafountain@msn.com.