As a young Gen Z mom, I was shocked by the recent findings of an NBC News Poll.
The poll in question asked Generation Z participants, aged 18-29, to rank 13 life priorities– including marriage, career, having a family, financial success, emotional stability and more.
The results revealed that among Generation Z, both male and female, the top three priorities were:
- Having a job or career you find fulfilling.
- Having enough money to do the things you want to do.
- Achieving financial independence.
Marriage and family didn’t even reach the top 5 on the list of priorities.
For men, marriage and children were ranked number 7 and 8, respectively. For women, marriage and children were ranked 11 and 10, respectively.
This particular statistic was shocking to me.
Women are less desiring of marriage and children than men are. From a biological perspective, this goes against nature itself.
Women are born desiring marriage and children. It is no accident that little girls love weddings, playing with baby dolls, and want to “marry daddy.”
This poll reveals a spiritual sickness that is alive and well in our younger generations today– even among Christians– particularly Christian women. After all, why give time and effort to dating when you can instead pursue career opportunities– the “important” work.
On September 10th, America endured a shocking tragedy in the passing of Charlie Kirk– a warrior for Christ and biblical values.
Charlie understood the devastation that comes when a generation stops prioritizing what is actually important– faith and family.
“My kids matter way more than how many social media followers that I have…
And I would also tell young ladies, you can always go back to your career later, that there is a window where you primarily should pursue marriage and having children, and that is a beautiful thing.”
Charlie is also quoted as saying,
“If we as conservatives stand for anything, it should be to tell our young people that one of the most beautiful things you can do is to get married and have kids.”
As a new mom, I can personally attest to the truth of Charlie’s words. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than my husband and daughter. No career will ever come close.
And this is the heart– the crux– of the issue.
For decades upon decades, the feminist lie that marriage and family are unfulfilling has pervaded the hearts and ideals of young people– especially young women– even Christians.
Marriage, particularly children, is seen as a burden and as a “waste of time.” It isn’t seen as meaningful work.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Marriage takes work. Children take work.
But the reward to the work is more fulfilling than any raise, any promotion, any new followers, and any new opportunity. Why?
Because the work of having and raising children has eternal significance.
Our children are not mindless, soulless little bodies running around. Each child that we are entrusted with from God will spend eternity somewhere– in one of two places.
And the responsibility to steward our children’s souls and minds should be more important than any job.
Think of the biblical figure of Timothy.
Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:14-15 instructs Timothy,
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Did you catch that? Timothy was instructed to continue in the faith and truths that have been planted in him from childhood. Who do you think planted those truths deep within Timothy?
His mom.
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and, I am sure, now lives in you also.” (2 Tim. 1:5)
Being a parent is the most important work you will ever do.
I love reading to my daughter. Apparently, Gen Z also hates to read to their children because it’s “boring” (another issue for another day).
I eventually decided on a book entitled, Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado.
This is what one of the pages says – it brings tears to my eyes every time I read it:
“And since you are so special, God wanted to put you in just the right home…
Where you’d be warm when it’s cold,
Where you’d be safe when you’re afraid,
Where you’d have fun and learn about heaven.
So after lots of looking for just the right family,
God sent you to me. And I’m so glad He did.”
Dear Gen Z – young woman – young Christian woman, that is the point.
Our purpose does not come from our jobs, our careers, our social media follower count, or how viral our content is.
Our purpose comes from living out God’s simple command to humanity:
Get married. (Gen. 2:24)
Have Kids. (Gen. 1:28)
Teach them about Jesus. (Deut. 6:7)
