I started a new book yesterday; Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp. I'm four chapters in and it's proving to be full of biblical child-rearing knowledge.
The first three paragraphs of the book struck me immediately and profoundly as this author reminded me of something that applies to all of us: we are sinners. And as I share his words, you'll see by what I was drawn. Some choose not to guard their hearts against the things of the world and the flesh, and some, who are still sinners, do.
Tripp writes:
The Scripture teaches that the heart is the control center for life. A person's life is a reflection of his heart. Proverbs 4:23 states it like this: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
The word picture here is graphic. The heart is a well from which all the issues of life gush forth. This theme is restated elsewhere in the Bible. The behavior a person exhibits is an expression of the overflow of the heart.
You could picture it like this. The heart determines behavior. What you say and do expresses the orientation of your heart. Mark 7:21 states: "...from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly." these evils in action and speech come from within - from the heart.
What do my actions say about me? What do your actions say about you?
3 months ago
We love this book! We first read it a few years ago, and still pick it up to refresh our minds occasionally. Nathan actually just got it out a couple nights ago when he was feeling like we've been going in the wrong direction. It's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAlso just getting started in a women's Bible study and we are working through a study called, "Raising Responsive Children" and it is sooo good so far. I'm writing my answers on paper instead of right in the book so that I can loan it out to people in the future.
ALSO-- I love what you quoted. It's SO TRUE!!
We love that book too! It was one the first book on child raising we read before we even had kids. I've gone back to it time and time again. The whole concept of obedience from the heart was revolutionary to my way of thinking about child rearing.
ReplyDeleteThey have a follow up book called Instructing a Child's Heart that I've started but not finished. It looks to be really good as well.