Mindset: Midas vs. Marriage

A Letter from Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer

Hi Friend,

Do you know someone with a "Midas Mindset?" 

You likely do, because more and more Americans are pursuing a modern golden touch—education, work, and self-development—for fulfillment and security.

But the reality is they're missing out on what is truly priceless: love, marriage, and family life.

Tragically, the rise of this Midas Mindset has led a majority of Americans to believe that money is more satisfying than marriage and family. 

In fact, nearly three out of four think that work is extremely or very important to live a meaningful life.

But only one out of four believe that being married and having children are important for fulfillment.

What's striking is that this mindset is also shaping parents' priorities for their children.

• 88% of parents said it is important that their children have an enjoyable career.

• 88% said it's important for their kids to be financially independent.

• 41% said it's important that their child earn a college degree.

• Only about 20% think it's important for their children to get married and have kids.

Parents who stress education and career to their children may be surprised to find themselves without grandchildren, as their kids are unlikely to prioritize love and marriage.

 There are two problems with this.

1. Marriage is a better predictor of happiness than money, education, and employment.

2. Young adults who buy into the Midas Mindset may miss their opportunity to get married or have the kids they desire.

Demographers now predict record shares of young adults will never marry or have children.

Now what?

It’s time for Christians in our state to rise up to defend and promote God’s intent for marriage. If we truly believe in the primacy of family as a vessel for Him to work for His glory and our good, then we should be motivated to see the institution restored to its divinely inspired design.

While there are needed solutions from the state, this is not a job for the government. We need our churches to lead the way. We need Christian schools teaching the next generation. We need Christian business owners willing to invest in the health of their employees’ families. 

The scope of the work ahead is broad, but that also means that you have opportunities to make an impact where you live and work! 

By suggesting and supporting ideas in your own spheres of influence—and with your gift $50 or more to magnify the efforts of all of our partner ministries—you can help to create cultures for families to thrive in every corner of Ohio.   

Together, we can rebuild a culture that celebrates the beauty and goodness of marriage and children, one family at a time. 

Finally, Center for Christian Virtue’s Hope and a Future report reveals the disastrous effects the decline of marriage and the collapse of family have had on Ohio and America—I encourage you to read the full report for yourself at CCV.org/Hope.

For our families,

Aaron Baer
Center for Christian Virtue
President