The Professionalization of Cultures Threatens Self-Reliance

At some point, all of us have been decieved into believing that certain tasks are best left to the professionals.

 

Got sick kids? Take them to a doctor.

Got an illiterate five year old. Take him to a teacher.

Got an unsaved friend or kid? Take him to a pastor or youth pastor.

In times past, mothers had a working knowledge of common illnesses and herbal or home treatments. Most sicknesses would be dealt with at home, only rare and serious illnesses needed the touch of a doctors.

Parents used to feel some confidence in their own knowledge and had a strong understanding of authority, so it wasn't seen as a huge challenge to impart that knowledge to their own children and guide their education.

Christians of the past were discipled strongly by older Christians, and when met with a friend or stranger who needed the gospel or godly advice could give it easily. They did not believe that the only way to get a friend saved was to take him to a church building. Parents knew that it was THEIR job to disciple their children and not the job of a youth pastor.

The effects of this dependance on so many outside entities is clear. It threatens our self-reliance. More importantly, dependance on outsiders erodes our confidence to do jobs ourselves. I am not saying that mothers and fathers never need to ask for help, but often we are asking for help too quickly, without tackling the problem on our own.

My second son has articulation problems and saw a speech therapist for three sessions before they told us that our insurance wouldn't pay for the therapy. While we could self-pay, that would be a bit of a financial burden at $80 a week. So, I did what I normally do when we are faced with a problem. I figure out how to handle it at home. I found resources and made a plan to work with him at home. I am not scared or worried that I may not be able to handle it or that I will somehow mess my child up. I don't believe that I have to a have a college degree to give my son speech therapy.

I don't write these things out of pride(believe me, I am NOT smarter nor naturally more competant than the general population), but out of concern that our society is so enthralled by certain 'professionals' that they don't take the time to become self-reliant. As teachers, doctors, and even pastors (especially youth pastors) became more prevalent and available, we assumed that their availability somehow negates our obligation to perform basic duties for ourselves, like parenting, discipling, healing, and even teaching. 

4:12 PM - Aug. 12, 2009 - post comment

Untitled Comment

just simply an "amen" to that!
;^)
~an onlooker, Sheri

Anonymous - 2:23 AM - Aug. 15, 2009

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Untitled Comment

Have you heard of How to have a Healthy Child in spite of your Doctor? Fits right in with this.

Anonymous - 3:33 PM - Sep. 2, 2009

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right on, sister!

love this so much!

Mamalama

Anonymous - 4:18 PM - Sep. 9, 2009

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Absolutely

Absolutely. Of course, who wants to not take their children to a specialist if there is a chance they need it. I went back and forth with an issue with my daughter on this one. But, I think I've figured it out on my own, and maturation has helped as well. I think putting our lives in the hands of professionals often has unintended consequences, not to mention lack of character on our part (lack of self-reliance) and money spent (even if it is insurance money that cost comes back to society and therefore yourself eventually).

basketflat - 2:33 AM - Sep. 17, 2009

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