China’s Missing Gender

It seemed like a good idea at the time. In reality, it was horrifically wrong and has led to something that should have been easily foreseen.

The most populated nation on earth is facing a shortage. It is not one of food, jobs, energy, or any of the standard items that are routinely seen. And it is certainly not a shortage of an able-bodied work force – one that has thrust the country into economic prominence for the new century. The missing asset is none other than women!

For many years China has had a policy that allows just one child per family – something presumably done to curb the ever-exploding and gigantic population. But because of the value placed upon males for economic and other issues, many families have opted to abort baby girls until a boy is conceived. What has occurred in the process is that now some 30 million men are without wives and not likely to find any over the next 20 years. The ratio is up to 130 boys to every one hundred girls in some areas, and represents a cavernous gender gap that is unprecedented worldwide.

The fateful decisions to limit family size and to abort living souls that God has created is greatly affecting China in the social realm. But of far greater importance is the impact it has, and is making, morally speaking. Some may debate the ethical aspects of the one child policy, but no such argument holds any weight once murdering innocent children enters the equation. In addition to the moral discussion itself, there are the personal spiritual consequences to any of life’s actions. Paul spelled it out like so. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. “ (Galatians 6:7)

In Numbers 32 Moses was cautioning the people to be obedient to God’s marching orders and to not ignore his clear-cut will for the nation. His pinnacle of his warning is seen in verse 32. “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.”

It is evident that many think that God does not exist, does not see, or perhaps does not care about those aspects of their lives that anger and offend Him. After all, He is a loving God, is He not? But they seemingly prefer to wear spiritual blinders to cover up the other side of His character – the one that is holy, righteous, and demanding of justice. Yet, even the briefest gaze at Romans 1:18 clears that mistaken view up in one big hurry. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” This verse assures that resisting or ignoring God is intentional and will eventually bring righteous judgment.

Sin brings consequences although they are sometimes postponed to a future time. That idea is confirmed in 1Timothy 5:24-25. “Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”

Sin may well result in misery in this life. That is just the nature of the beast and simply a cause and effect thing. But sin is guaranteed to bring certain wrath in the life to come – or is it? Scripture shows that there is an escape from future wrath – all of it! Paul explains how it works in Romans 5:7-9. ”But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

Unlike in China, there are no limitations to how many can be part of God’s family – providing the one basic qualification is fully met. Its life-changing promise is clearly guaranteed in just one concise verse. "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Bill Breckenridge