Parenting by Design Daily DevotionalSample

THE VALIDATION OF THE WORLD 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.