Why are declining birthrates a cause for concern in our society today?

Alexander Strauch addresses the alarming trend of falling birthrates, using South Korea as a case study. With projections suggesting that the country might not sustain its population within the next 52 to 100 years, the government is taking drastic measures like paying people and amending laws to encourage childbearing. Strauch points out that in more liberal and secular societies, there seems to be a declining interest in having children, often due to the view that they are burdensome. This mindset is seen as self-centered, focusing on the inconveniences children might bring, such as disrupting personal time and lifestyle choices.

Strauch emphasizes the importance of embracing God's design for family and community. He shares his personal experience, highlighting the growing love he has for his children and grandchildren as he ages. He contrasts the loneliness experienced by many baby boomers, who have not fostered community ties, with his own fulfilling life within the church community. Strauch underscores that God values children, and we are called to do the same, fostering environments where they are cherished and secure. He concludes with a heartwarming anecdote about his fondness for interacting with children, showcasing the joy they bring.

Psalm 127:3 (NKJV): "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Just before I came here, I checked the news, and one of the first items on the news was the serious situation in South Korea. They are not having enough children. They will not be in existence within 52 to 100 years. It's so serious. They are paying people.

They are making changes in the law to encourage people to have children. So why is this true? The more liberal and the more secular society, the less there is an interest in children. Isn't that interesting? Because it's a very self-centered philosophy.

Children are a hassle. They cost you a lot of money. They disrupt your quiet time and your television watching, your movie watching, and you're going out to dinner and living the good life. Children are a lot of work, so they're not interested in children. We need to teach God's plan.

God loves children. We should love children. I'll tell you, so I'm almost 80 this year and the older I get the more I love my four children and I have 15 grandchildren. They become more and more precious to you. So one of the biggest problems in America right now, social problem, is loneliness.

Why are so many people, the baby boomers, lonely? Very good reason. They never engendered community. They didn't join a church, didn't join clubs. They were loners.

Their children move away. They live in other states. So they find themselves alone, where as a Christian, my life is lived within the church body. All my friends there, my children's friends are there, and it's a whole community I love and they love me. So I'm never alone lonely and I wish I was a little bit lonely once in a while I'm so busy.

But anyway it's better for you to have good friends. So it is very important to follow God's mandate. God loves children. He wants us to have children. He wants us to provide a home of security for them, there's nothing more precious.

So just before I came up the hill to come here, there's a whole bunch of children together, so I went over and made fun of them all and teased them. I love teasing children, Sort of a special gift I have.