For over a year, Nicki and I have attended a parenting class at another church.  While we have been in the class, we have worked through several different video series and book studies.  The interaction and discussion with other parents, both young and ‘experienced,’ has been most beneficial to us.

Currently, we are working through the book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp.  It is by far the best of the books that we have worked through.  It is the cream of the crop.

In the book, Tripp points out that our children are not a ‘blank slate.’  He writes “Children are not born morally and ethically neutral.”  (p. 101)  Too often, we think that our children are ‘innocent’ and ‘just don’t know any better.’ We like to use these excuses to cover the truth that they are born sinners.  They enter this world with a heart that prompts them and urges them to sin.  They are not born a blank slate.  They are born an enemy of God and a slave to sin.

This is why it is so important for us to ‘shepherd’ their heart.  If you are a parent – buy this book and read it.

Related Links:

• Mars Hill in Seattle has posted videos from a Biblical Parenting Conference with Tedd Tripp where he teaches through the material from his book.
• Buy Shepherding a Child’s Heart from Amazon.com or from Westminster Books