The validation of the world
Genesis 30:1-3: "When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister…Then she said, ‘Here is Bilhah, my maidservant. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me and that through her I too can build a family'" (NIV Bible).
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 a 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 subject to the thoughts and opinions of the world rather than the thoughts and opinions of God.
Rest in your identity in Christ instead of chasing after worldly validation.
