The Validation Of The World

"When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!”   Jacob became angry with her and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?”   Then she said, “Here is Bilhah, my servant. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me and I too can build a family through her.” "  Genesis 30:1-3 (NIV)

Ancient Middle Eastern culture placed great value on a woman who could bear a child, especially a son. Jacob's wives, Rachel and Leah, were sisters and rivals who used childbearing (by giving birth themselves or through their maidservants) to bolster their sense of self-worth. Their competition quickly degenerated and produced sinful attitudes and behavior as they focused on validating themselves by the worldly standard.

Like them, we can define our worth, and the worth of our children, by achievements and the ability to possess what others value. When we measure our significance in these ways, we become slaves to the thoughts and opinions of the world rather than the thoughts and opinions of God. Remember where your true citizenship lies.

Rest in your identity in Christ instead of chasing after worldly validation. God bless