My husband has just started teaching a new small group study called "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp. I have heard it's good, so naturally I was curious exactly what this new study would involve. What it would ask me to do as I "shepherd my child's heart?" After reading the introductory stuff and the short first chapter, I know one thing: change is imminent in my household.
It's not like an "A-ha!" moment exactly, but a light bulb did brighten a bit. I've never thought about my child's behavior being based in their heart. At least not in the midst of a tantrum, or the times my parenting skills and patience are being tested. I can certainly see the logic, that my child's behavior is an overflow of his heart, like Luke 6:45 says: "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
When you're angry, you lash out. When you're happy, that shows, too. But I guess when I have to discipline my kids I'm just thinking, "Don't do that again! Haven't I told you..." I have the feeling that now, I will be examining how my child may be feeling that has caused his actions to be what they are.
This could get interesting...
I read that book many, many years ago. Great book.
ReplyDeleteI started reading the book, but had a hard time getting past the author continuing to call what children do "sins". Depending on the age, based on bible teachings (I need to find the verse), children are not accountable for their actions. With my kids being so young I felt that the book didn't apply well in the "sinning" respect.
ReplyDeleteEven at age 5, my oldest is still testing the waters a little on what is right and wrong... so I had a hard time with the book. I don't call him doing wrong a "sin"; he's still learning (to some extent) and therefore not being willful and going against God.
What are your thoughts on children and sin... that sort of thing. I picked up the book on a recommendation from a friend and she didn't see an issue. Am I making to big a deal out of nothing? I guess I can see the good in starting to use the word "sin" with my 5 year old to describe when he does wrong as a way of introducing the word, but to say that he is actually sinning in the eyes of God (as a child) doesn't seem quite right... hmmm... can you see I am perplexed!? :) I need to get back into the bible and read more about this.
Please don't think I'm some crazy person hung up on wording... I just want to teach my children based on bible teachings. I'd love your thoughts on this for another perspective.
Thanks!