Spirit of Prophecy Views on Choosing Childlessness and Selfishness

Choosing to remain childless for the sake of personal ease and convenience is a manifestation of selfishness that can hinder spiritual growth and limit one's usefulness in God's serviceAH 159.4+1. While there are specific circumstances where having children may be ill-advised—such as during times of intense peril, poverty, or physical weakness—the general avoidance of parental responsibilities for the sake of self-gratification is a spiritual danger17MR 147.2+2.

The Spiritual Risk of the Childless Home

• Tendency toward Self-Centering: A home without children is often a desolate place where the inmates are in danger of becoming self-centered and cherishing a love for their own wayT20 105.2.

• Lack of Character Development: The care and affection required for dependent children remove the roughness from human nature, making individuals more tender, sympathetic, and patientAH 159.4+1.

• Exacting Attention: In a family of only two, there is a constant need for watchfulness lest the couple become the center of their own world, requiring attention from others while feeling no obligation to bestow itAH 159.4.

• Spiritual Stagnation: Many who choose to avoid the work of rearing children in these last days follow the impulse of their own unconsecrated hearts, leading to a paralysis of spiritual growthGCDB February 6, 1893, par. 12.

Selfishness vs. Mission

True missionary work is characterized by disinterested benevolence and a life without one selfish actEW 268.2+1. When couples reason from a selfish standpoint to avoid the burdens of life, they fail to represent the character of Christ, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister Matthew 20:28ST May 23, 1900, par. 4.

Guidance for Childless Couples

• Cultivating Love for Others: Those who do not have children of their own should educate themselves to love and care for the children of others or the homeless little ones around themAH 168.1.

• Avoiding Idleness: It is an insult to the Holy Spirit for anyone to choose a life of aimless self-serving instead of actively helping others1MCP 344.5.

• Prioritizing God’s Glory: Every decision regarding the family should be made with an eye single to the glory of God, putting aside selfish interests and worldly ambition1MR 95.3+1.

"Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God" Ephesians 5:1-2. By turning the mind away from self-gratification and toward the needs of others, a soul can overcome its selfish nature and find true happiness4T 213.3+1.