Parenting Principles

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles

Have you ever picked up a book and just based on the cover (I know we shouldn’t judge a book by the cover) but thought you would you struggle to get through the material? This was one of those books for me.

I am not sure why, but I had to purposefully schedule time to read this book.

And I am glad I did!

Book Description:

In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining 14 foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God – grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.

Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy.

Oh boy, the opening pages had me with the part about getting lost as a parent. Hey – you mean others feel that way too? Others feel like they are sometimes nothing more than a maid or chauffeur at times?

As the book continued, my heart was pierced. Yes, I have been guilty of being busy but not productive. I have been guilty of going through the motions or steps instead of cultivating relationships.

So while picking up and getting started was hard for me, once I made my way through the introduction…I had to set a timer to STOP reading.

This book addresses 14 issues of parenting that the author has tied back to scriptural teachings. I do have a few differences of opinion on some of the scriptures used as the basis, but the overall issues are right on point.

As parents we need to stop going through the motions and checking off a box on a list of preconceived things that need to happen before we can say our job is done as a parent. Instead, we need to turn to God and use His Word in our lives and accept the Grace that was given to us through the cross.

We only have our children for a short time, shouldn’t this time be used to teach them not just how to do A,B,C..but how to live a spirit filled life so they can share their faith to others and their own family one day?

This book, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles is available on Amazon in Kindle, Hardback, and audio formats.

Don’t have a Kindle? Grab one for yourself. They are so nice to use for reading. I love my Kindle Fire and my little one uses the e-Reader version (just for reading without the added games and internet options).