What We Teach Our Children to Carry

Leaving Babylon’s Productivity Gospel

Two Deposits Society Makes on Children

There are two things society reliably deposits on children: being socialized and becoming productive, money-producing citizens.

That’s not to say culture doesn’t hold other lofty hopes for our young ones. But after watching the world, living inside it, and listening to hundreds of parents over the last thirty years, these two goals rise to the top—again and again.

When the System Shakes

A few months ago, the government shut down. Whatever your opinions about the tantrum-throwing and attention-seeking theatrics, the reality is simple: real people were affected. Predictably, the internet filled with stories of financial strain—because this is the age of TikToks and Reels.

What surprised me wasn’t the fear of those who rely on government assistance. It was the outrage from those who don’t. The cries of “just get a job” and “how dare they” were deafening. And yes, I understand the tax-dollar argument—but the lack of concern over daycare chaos alone is… telling.

Jesus and Responsibility

What I find fascinating is that Jesus wasn’t particularly vocal about the responsibility of the one in need. Instead, He consistently placed responsibility on those who had much.

Radical, that Jesus.

Babylon vs. the Kingdom

As I continue exploring goal-setting, planning, and my own exodus from Babylonian systems, it’s become clear: societal standards and biblical standards are not the same thing. Shocking, I know.

We all have a line—one that, when crossed, triggers offense. Here’s one guaranteed to do it.

A Question That Gets Spicy

Recently, I judged debates at my youngest son's co-op. Watching young men and women engage thoughtfully is always a gift—one many politicians could benefit from. The topic was timely and heated: Should the government be responsible for closing the economic gap?

My answer? Yes. No. And yes again.

No—a corrupt, self-serving, violent entity should not be responsible for caring for the vulnerable. Yes—the Church should.

Political Cartoon found on larrycuban.wordpress

The Forgotten Role of the Church

Scripture is overflowing with this call. Ekklesia, the word we translate as “church”, was a governmental term. It described an entity that embedded itself in a city and tangibly improved life there. The Church of Jesus was meant to make regions better for both people and the Kingdom of God.

Don’t even get me started on how widows have become invisible in modern church culture.

But when the Church adopts Babylon’s values—productivity, output, social usefulness—the burden shifts. Kids must be trained to produce. If they don’t, a well-funded government will have to step in. At least someone lends a hand… even if it’s a pitiful one.

A Statistic That Should Stop Us Cold

Here’s something I learned from those debates: Only 3–5% of Americans give charitably. Yet 40–50% claim to attend church.

Sit with that.

“Don’t Be a Waste of Space”

I rarely saw my dad growing up, but when I did, he told me one thing consistently: never become a waste of space. Cue overachiever programming.

Maybe you’ve never said those words to your kids. But “become a productive member of society” carries the same weight.

This mindset of—socializing well and becoming a productive member of society—is wildly out of alignment with God’s design. God centers identity in Him, grounded in being radically loved. Before purpose, destiny, or any 20th-century achievement dogma, God wants to give.

“For God so loved… that He gave.”

God provided everything before creating man. In the new and better Covenant, He’s already given us everything for life and godliness and all things to enjoy. He is an extravagant Father. Yet we panic over government handouts.

Is His arm too short? Has He not provided enough? Are we afraid someone else might receive what we think we earned?

Leaving the Slavery Mentality

Believers, we’ve allowed a slavery mindset to seep into every corner of our thinking. In doing so, we miss the goodness of God—and pass that burden straight to our children.

Part of my own exodus from Babylon involved asking God a dangerous question: “If I’m not an achiever—and my role isn’t to produce—then what am I?”

His answer was stunning.