In our modern materialistic culture, bombarded constantly by advertising and the latest technological gadgetry, how can parents raise children with a healthy dose of skepticism and discretion?
Consumerism dominates families. A modern day parenting philosophy of keeping up with Jones, Jr., no matter how ridiculously indulgent his parents, is a far cry from what used to be normal childhood.
Chances are, your parents, like mine, said no to a fair number of whimsical doo-dads that whisked down the pike. Chances are, you, like me, saved your money and purchased a small handful of these whimsies, with your own hard-earned cash. Chances are, you also had quite a few moments when you stood out from the crowd at school without the right shoes or shoelaces, or whatever the silly widgit happened to be. Awkwardly you withstood the slings and arrows, perhaps even shed a few tears at home, but stalwart parents continued with the NO vote on such indulgences.
The 21st century has lost the common consciousness that a fair number of no votes from parents is a healthy and good method for raising children. Sadly, “back to school,” along with holidays, overwhelmingly parade this loss of wisdom. We certainly wouldn’t want our children to be without the new phone, ipod, laptop, backpack, or lunch bag.
More stuff? Good.
No silly putty rainbow pencil turned walkie talkie? That bad, very bad.
(Side note: why is unfettered consumerism even possible?
Prosperity for more segments of our society . . . Richer than 40 years ago, richer than around the world. http://www.heritage.org/Research/Welfare/bg2064.cfm)
All the lessons in recycling and alternative fuels in the public schools do not seem to lessen the average public school student’s appetite for the latest on the treadmill of acquisition. How many adults could use a fair amount of self-denial? How many of them and us learned our consuming and covetous life-style in school?
In our family, we homeschool and have always homeschooled. Although we have many reasons for homeschooling, at the root is our desire to “train up our children in the way that they should go.” We believe that education cannot be separated from our relationship with God and knowledge of Him. Thus, homeschooling accomplishes our goal in a wonderful and beautiful way, as the very life-style of homeschooling is all about relationships: with God, with parents and children, with siblings.
That is not to say that no other method for schooling can accomplish this goal. However, commitment to Christian education, especially homeschooling, constitutes a constant struggle against the mainstream, for which we daily have to rely on God and daily sacrifice our own fleshly will.
Oh dear, daily sacrifice our own fleshly will. That sounds so 17th century.
Of the myriad benefits of homeschooling, the freedom from the tyranny of youthful consumerism stands tall. Young people, as manufacturers know well, fall prey so easily to the worthless trinket that costs $19.95, especially when plastered all over glittering cereal boxes and green ketchup bottles.
The state is interested in raising a new generation of tax-paying, law-abiding workers who vote to increase the state, thus ensuring the continued existence of the state. Big business prefers to raise a new generation of voracious consumers, thus ensuring the continued existence of big business.
Because I’m interested in raising Godly men and women, and not merely workers for the state or big business, homeschooling makes sense. As a dear homeschooling relative of mine once noted, “it is easier to teach correctly at home than to undo the incorrect teaching of the public school when they get home.”
I am, you are, we are counter-culture.
Ultimately, we must not only know Christ, but make Him known. We pray that our family’s hearts and actions give glory to Him and shine His light into this world, and that many will come to know Christ because of His use of our family for His purposes.
And them's fightin' words to the seen and unseen enemies of Christ.
As you gear up for a new year of homeschooling, or as you continue slogging through your year-round school, be encouraged to fight the good fight.
Can your family and mine fulfill this Great Commission without sparkling eraser gum and musical running shoes that become ice skates with a push of a button?
I think so.
I am, you are, we are counter-culture. The salt and the light.
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