Friday, April 12, 2024

Is Status-seeking Through Children Harmful?

Parents want their children to be successful, which may translate into status for the parents. Status-seeking surfaces early in life, often prompted by parents. Status is defined by how well you measure up compared to others in a particular social group. Status most often aligns with what is possible rather than what is out-of-bounds.

A Little League boy or girl would not try to measure up to a major league baseball hero, but with others in that age group. Imagine a seven-year-old becoming despondent over failing to throw a baseball as fast as a major league pitcher! That would be like you comparing your finances to Bill Gates’ finances.

Seeking status through a child can set the child up for a lifetime of hardships. God’s word encourages parents to bring up a child according to their temperament, personality, and talents. This will enhance their chances for success as an adult. Status is becoming the person God intended for you to become.          

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Do not conform yourself to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect…So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace God has given to us.

~Romans 12:2,6 Good News Bible
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