Modern Secular Worldview: Money buys happiness and success, and determines self-worth.
Truth: It is an erroneous idea that monetary wealth produces happiness, success or personal worth. There are extremely wealthy people who are completely, utterly miserable in life, and others struggling to survive just above poverty level whose steadfast joy remains, regardless of financial circumstances. I recently listened to an interview featuring a mother of 13 children who stays home full-time to educate and raise them, while her husband acts as sole income provider for the family. In answer to the reporter’s question regarding how she and her husband are able to live debt free, and what advice she has for others who wish to do the same, she said, “Slow down. Simplify your life. Let your kids be kids. They don’t need all those things the world is telling you they need. You’ll be surprised at how much debt you won’t have if you just slow down.”
Modern Secular Worldview: The more you work, the better life gets.
Truth: Not only does working 24/7 not necessarily make paying bills any easier, but it is often downright dangerous to your health. Of course, an obvious reference point for Christians is the fact that God Himself “rested” when He created the world. Sadly, many have become convinced that the secret to happiness and success (in addition to have the most money/things) is to work unceasingly at one’s job. In reality, such compulsive/obsessive/addictive behavior is often non-productive and devastating to marriage and family life. The Bible says we must “work to live” never “live to work.”
Modern Secular Worldview: Children are expensive burdens that cause stress and keep us from having what we want.
Truth: Scripture also says children are among God’s greatest blessings in life. Just a few decades ago, it was typically seen as a sorrow if a married couple was unable to bear children. Many couples still believe that raising a family (including all the self-sacrifice it requires) is not only worth it, but a true source of joy and blessing in life.
Modern Secular Worldview: Success is unattainable without a college degree.
Truth: Advanced technology allows us to seek knowledge, become educated and master concepts/skills in many ways that are often much less expensive than attending college. What truly matters is knowing “how” learn, then embracing the myriad opportunities available to do so by whatever means best suits one’s immediate and long-term goals. The tide is beginning to change, thanks to “frontiersmen” entrepreneurs who are forging new paths, breaking molds and convincing many that knowledge, talent, innovation, persistence, drive, ambition, creativity and success exist outside a college degree, and part of what makes living in a free society so wonderful is that every person has the right to discern where God is calling him or her without being forced to conform to a prescribed set of steps for following His plan.
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
