When I first started to read this book I was unsure of how I felt about it. I even read some of the suggested responses to children with my teens asking them what they thought.
Actually, they laughed and then I laughed. These responses do NOT come naturally...but as we continued to talk, I realized that this is what the book is about. We do act naturally because we are sinners in need of a Savior. Our children are sinners in need of a Savior and as parents we are the ones to point them to Jesus on a daily, continuous, at any opportunity basis.
That is the premise of this book....the law points us to Christ, the reason God gave 'the law' to the Israelites. So instead of using the law to make us better and closer to God, it is a tool to show us our NEED for Jesus. THAT is what we should be teaching our children. NOT just HOW to act better, but their need for God.
As parents we can only 'mold' our children to look like they know God, we can't turn them into a child of God...that is a heart issue and ONLY God can change the heart.
Yes, I agree with the premise of this book...The only problem is the parent has to have a totally new mindset in order to implement it...at least this parent does. This is a mindset that takes years of learning and growing in the Lord.
So if you are ready to look at your parenting in a whole new way and ready to change yourself FIRST...then you should read this book. I think you will be glad you did
To read more encouraging, life-changing articles you can visit: www.crossway.org/blog
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway Books for my honest review
Crystal Toegel said via facebook:
ReplyDeleteI like your review, Cindy. I completely agree with your thoughts. Sometimes we concentrate on the behavior of our children and not their heart. But if their heart is following Jesus, their behavior will follow. I'd like to read this book. Thanks for the review.
Kath Corbett commented via facebook: sounds like a book I could align myself with
ReplyDeletesounds like a great book
ReplyDeleteEveryday Life
The long and cumbersome sample dialogues are a common complaint I hear with the book. But it doesn't bother me. . . they aren't written as word-for-word scripts, but as examples. And, of course, they'll be different with our own kids (and shorter!)
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