On Shepherding a Child's Heart (Ch 6)

So, chapter 5 was convicting and led to a lot of thought and prayer; which is always good. Basically there are a lot of things that Jon and I need to look at and evaluate as we strive to raise our children in a way that glorifies God. What are our motives for the things we do? Do we put too much focus on material things? Do we fill our child with distractions from God for our own convenience? See previous post for more insight.

Many of the unbiblical goals mentioned in chapter 5 are easily transformed into biblical goals when the aim and focus is to glorify God and not build a child’s self-esteem or push them toward perfectionism. For example, activities, such as dance, baseball, basketball, music, are excellent ways for your children to learn to glorify God with their talents and be good stewards of their bodies, as well as minister to new people they meet. There is a great dance studio in our town called Compass Dance Academy. Here is the description from their website…

Compass Dance Academy trains dancers of all ages in a joyous atmosphere where excellence is modeled through grace and encouragement, not fear and perfectionism. Our vision is to mentor each dancer to reach their full God given potential and release them to use their gift locally and around the world.

My daughter Riley LOVES to dance and I am planning on getting her dance lessons at this studio for her third birthday!! I am excited and although I will probably pass a couple of other dance academies along the way I believe it is worth the trip!

Our biblical goal for salvation should be one that doesn’t require our children to trust God once, but shepherds them into trusting God on a daily basis. Our lives and the way we parent must reflect that; again more insight on this in the previous post.

I have often wondered if teaching my child to have good manners is important. I think it is nice, but is it biblical? The book offers some good insight into this matter. If you read Philippians 2 you will see the importance of putting others interests before your own and that we should do nothing out of selfish ambition. Manners also express your consideration of those around you and respect for authority.

When saying “please” and “thank you” are rooted in what it means to look out for the interests of others, they become expressions of biblical love. Tripp 54

A good education…sounds like a good goal. I believe that we should make every effort to provide a good education for our children and teach them the importance of diligent, hard work. Some children do not have to work hard to get all A’s and some children work very hard to get a C. The importance is not what the report card says, but the honest effort put forth.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

So we make every effort to glorify God in all that we do.

So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Tough Question for Thought: What are some subtle ways you are tempted to teach your children to function in the society on its terms?