Foolish Philosophies -Jennifer Woodley
‘For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.’ 1 Corinthians 3:19 (NRSV)
As a school chaplain, I am often exposed to secular philosophies that teach children that they are great and can do anything. Children are raised to believe that they are strong, self-assured, brave and invincible. But this is not what the Bible says. The wisdom taught to our children by the world is considered to be foolishness to God.
Alone we can never accomplish anything great or be anyone great by God’s standards. Making right does not happen by our might, but by the power of God working through people. Rather than encourage our younger generation to depend upon their strengths and independence we ought instead to exhort them to seek first God and depend entirely upon Him.
Secular philosophy may make its boast in man’s power and strength, but the Bible teaches that we are nothing, poor, sinful, weak and spiritually bankrupt. Our hope and strength is in Christ alone. We must advance from self-effort to complete dependence upon Jesus.
We need a rising generation of people who set their hearts on Heaven and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. We need a new breed of Christ-followers who are meek and humble, not full of pride and arrogance, who are devoted to God rather than to self-pleasure, who make their boast in Christ’s work, not their own achievements.
For those of us who may be involved in work with children, let’s carefully critique what we are teaching them. Does our instruction align with Scripture, and glorify God, or are we deceiving our children into thinking more of themselves than they really are?
Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who seeks to encourage others on their journey with Christ. Contact 
