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.
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