You have probably heard the expression that “It takes a village to raise a child”. In many parts of the world, this saying is true and taken seriously. Every village adult cares for, leads, teaches and disciplines every child. As the child grows he/she learns the community’s values and beliefs. He/she learns their role within the community and contributes to the welfare of the village.
We don’t have such a strong ethos in America. The community that a child grows up in does impact each child, but that influence is generally haphazard and undirected. Our children are more influenced by media and friends, rather than the adults around them. A fundamental principle of our child raising philosophy is building independence in our children. That is well and good for growing adults, but not so effective in producing productive adults with good character.
The Bible has a lot to say about community. Consider what it says about our need for each other in Proverbs 18:1, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” It is just not wise to raise fiercely independent people. Also consider I John 2:9-10; “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.” Loving one another is the foundation to a fruitful life in the light of God’s Word.
Reluctant Retiree 