What is the true purpose of having children according to God's design?

Mala Chindongo explores the common temporal reasons parents consider when having children, such as legacy and support in old age. In many cultures, including in Africa, children are seen as a type of retirement plan, where parents invest in their upbringing and education to ensure they will be cared for later in life. While these are important considerations, they fall short of capturing the full purpose of having children.

God's purpose for children extends beyond the temporal and touches on the eternal. He desires us to have children so that we might raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, contributing to the creation of a people set apart for Him. Through the Christian family, God is building His kingdom and the Church for His Son, Jesus Christ. This divine purpose is about aligning our family lives with God's greater plan, enabling children to grow up knowing God and participating in His work in the world.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."