Modern Workers Can't Cut It

Whose job is it to raise the kids?

“Schools abandoned teaching perseverance and personal responsibility, leaving graduates unprepared for jobs.” That’s the headline of an article Marissa Streit wrote for Fox News. The writer, a teacher, puts the blame for unprepared workers on the schools. 

When kids get out of high school and try to find jobs, they are finding it difficult. Young adults are unprepared for the hard knocks of life. Some employers look for older workers, those from a previous generation who still believe in being responsible. 

Streit said, “America has nearly 7 million unfilled jobs. Some of those  positions remain open because employers can't find workers with the right  technical skills.” Yes, schools should teach more technical skills. Personally,  I’d love to see more vocational schools teach high-paying trades like  automotive repair, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, heating and AC, etc. 

But is the real problem a lack of technical skill? No. It is often a lack of maturity or not having a good work ethic. In other words, it is a character issue. Many young workers never learned to obey or show respect at home. Now they can’t or won’t do it at work. It impacts their lives in a negative way. 

Streit reports what business owners are saying. “Too many candidates can't  show up on time; struggle to take initiative or accept constructive criticism.  They can’t solve problems without detailed instructions, nor can they handle  an ordinary setback without falling apart.” Streit goes on to blame the schools.  But is that where the fault lies? 

Yes, business owners and employers are having trouble finding reliable workers. The problem is real, but not for the reason that Streit states. She traces the issue to schools. Our education system has some bright spots, but it falls short in many ways. However, here is one undeniable fact: no school or teacher can replace a mother and a father who will train their child. 

Teachers can impart information. That is the job of a teacher. They can educate. But parents have a higher duty: to train their child. Teachers can’t impart self-discipline or instill respect that molds a child’s character. Only parents can do that. A parent who loves their child can require obedience and insist on respect. 

It is the job of parents - especially fathers - to mold their child’s character. The Bible says this in many places. The gospel of salvation is more than going to heaven. It also teaches us to be kingdom citizens, which means bringing heavenly values and lifestyles into our families and homes. As Christians, we are raising our children to know the Lord. We do that when they are young and pliable. Hopefully, they won’t turn away from it as adults. 

Here is a Bible passage that explains what we are to do at home. 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:1-4 ESV) 

Schools should augment what parents do, not teach contrary to it. The Christian family is the greatest factory for making successful human beings on the planet.