Much of the Paideia of the Lord, (fostering right affections in the hearts of the next generation) will help avoid the devastation of ‘chickens coming home to roost.’ Unfortunately, the subtle prevailing Paideia of the World can direct our own affections and subsequently the affections of our children leading to the ‘chickens coming home to roost,’ all to our chagrin.
An example of this is the happy/holy fallacy. Have you ever heard a parent say to their children, “I just want you to be happy.”? If parents don’t say these exact words, do they think and interact with their children as if this is their modus operandi? Have you ever heard or seen parents interact with their children where they communicate that they just want their children to be holy? Of the two perspectives which one is most common amongst the people you know and what perspective aligns itself most closely with the teachings of Christ?
The happy/holy fallacy can impact every area of our lives. Relationships, ministry, church, parenting, teaching, finances, careers, possessions, prayer, etc. can all be viewed through the happy or holy lens. Is my husband’s primary role to bring about my happiness or holiness? Is my church’s primary function to bring about my happiness or holiness? Is my prayer life to produce in me happiness or holiness? Do my children, do my students embrace and know beyond a doubt that my interactions with them are to foster their happiness or holiness?
Sometimes Mrs. Long will remind me that she is my chosen means of sanctification. Do your children often thank God that He chose you as their primary means of sanctification? Do you pray and thank God as a family that their teachers are God’s chosen means of sanctification? If you don’t want your children to worship the idol of happiness producing the fruit of selfishness, and self-centeredness, start by elevating holiness to its proper position knowing that happiness, or better yet, joy unspeakable will be its fruit.
