HAPPINESS AS PARENTAL GOAL?

HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS AS PARENTAL GOAL

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

  What is the present day common primary goal in raising children?

  The common goal in contemporary times is “I just want my children to grow up to be happy successful adults.” When listening to conversations on the topic or asking to define “successful”, I most often hear terms having to do with wealth, position, recognition, accomplishment, able to well provide for and take care of self and family, et al . . . all accomplished with the lowest possible levels of stress.

  This goal is both consciously and inadvertently taught by numerous parents, grandparents, educational institutions, and media including TV and cinema. This goal has and does permeate our USA culture, including many Christians.

  As Christian parents and grandparents this as paramount goal should never be ours in mind, emotion, vocalized or in action manifested.

·         It is contrary to God’s example.

·         It is contrary to the Word.

·         It is contrary to what our Lord expects of parents and grandparents.

·         It is contrary to what is absolutely best in child training.

·         It is and furthers the practice of idolatry. The idol being happiness and its underpinnings.

  If such happiness and successfulness are not the goal, then what is?

  God’s Word is very clear on this question: The end of the matter after all has been heard and read; Fear God and keep his commandments, serve Him now and forevermore for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. We are not to conform to this world’s essential life definitions. (Eccl.12:13-14; Rom.12:1-3)

  Another way to put this is we are to live a life of godly character according to His direction; this by His Word; the Bible and Christ’s example; guided by His Holy Spirit.

  When we as parents and grandparents demonstrate and promulgate happiness and success as life goal we are in diametric conflict with God (James 4:3-8) and confuse and mislead the children we hold great affection for. Teaching children Christian morality in home and church is controverted by the overarching teaching and manifestation of the goal of worldly happiness and success. (A question to illustrate: What is the base reason so many parents and grandparents want their children to go to college?)

  Let us beware how we by emotion, word, and deeds actually train up children. 

EBB4

Afterthoughts: The application of today’s truth includes practice by aunts, uncles, and elder children whether biological or otherwise. Also note that living life God’s Way may or may not result in worldly happiness and success.