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The title of this post doesn't make sense. Fools, by
definition, are not wise. This is the fourth of Tedd Tripp's concerns for
parents today. The first three concerns were these: grasping the importance of formative
instruction, establishing a biblical view of authority and maintaining biblical
communication. The fourth concern is developing the ability to contrast the
supposed wisdom of fools with the wisdom of God. The book of Proverbs is the
perfect place to see this contrast vividly laid out.
In the last post we began to examine Tedd Tripp's third
concern for parents today - communication. Tedd raised two principles that must
govern communication in the home. The first is the advantage of using quiet
words in instruction. The next principle is the advantage of using few words in
communication.
In my recent radio interview with Tedd Tripp I asked Tedd to
give four truths that he believes are important for families in today's world.
The first two truths were 1) understanding the importance of formative
instruction and 2) establishing a biblical view of authority. Next we will
consider Tedd's third point: communication.
Communicating biblically is crucial if parental authority is to be effective in
achieving God's objectives. It is one thing to establish that authority is
needed. It is another to communicate that authority in a loving and engaging
way. The parent who says in an angry voice, "You must obey me. God says so!" is
not communicating in a helpful way. The Scriptures teach that pleasant words
promote instruction (e.g. Proverbs 16:20-24). Loving, firm and confident
communication is an essential aspect of parental authority.
The program is on WLFJ AM 660 in Greenville, SC. You can listen live on the internet here.
The program will be available at the Calling for Truth website later on this evening. The web address is www.callingfortruth.org. Just click on the audio button.
"Shepherding a Child's Heart" provides parents with biblical advice. I believe the Bible is a true, timeless and trustworthy revelation of God that is never upstaged by more modern ideas. I have drawn my understanding of human needs and potential from the Bible. I have accepted the Bible's prescriptions for the human malady as accurate and true.
"Shepherding a Child's Heart" is a paradigm shift for most parents because it focuses on parental nurture (shepherding) rather than constraining and controlling external behavior. It recognizes that children, like adults, make choices that are driven by their hearts. When we behave badly or do things that are unkind it is because our hearts, at that moment, love something else more than we love God and others. Shepherding the heart involves helping children discern the internal motivations that shape their external behavior. It helps children discern not just the actions and/or the circumstances of behavior, but also the internal motivations of that behavior.
"Shepherding a Child's Heart" helps parents bring the power and grace of the Gospel to their children. If the problem of behavior for children and adults is a heart that has strayed from God's ways, the answer is the power and grace of God that can transform us internally. Grace cleanses, grace transforms, grace empowers; that's a realistic message of hope for children and their parents.
A good test of a book is the other books that are produced to extend the same paradigm. My wife Margy and I have recently co-written Instructing a Child's Heart. Several excellent titles by other authors come to mind as well: Get Outta My Face!, by Rick Horne, Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally about God with Your Children, by John A. Younts, Don't Make Me Count to Three: a Mom's Look at Heart-Oriented Discipline, by Ginger Plowman and Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens, Second Edition (Resources for Changing Lives), by Paul David Tripp.
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