Parenting: Fourteen Gospel Principles by Paul Tripp | Book Review

*I was compensated with a book to give to a blog reader. All opinions are 100% my own. Please see my disclosure policy.

A couple months ago I attended a parenting seminar by Paul David Tripp that was webcasted at a local church. My husband and I were married several years before having children and have come to the realization that parenting is not for the faint of heart! The timing of the seminar was perfect for my husband and me, so naturally, we had to attend.

I had seen advertisements for Paul Tripp’s book, Parenting: Fourteen Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, and had heard really good reviews about the principles outlined in the book.

As I suspected, the seminar was a fantastic introduction to his book.

A little later I purchased a hard copy of the book as well as an audio version. Believe me, Parenting: Fourteen Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, is not a one-time reader. The reminders and wisdom are straight from the principles of God’s Word and help parents focus on truths and values that are actually important…things like love, grace, forgiveness, consistency, the heart, and our greatest need of Jesus.

Tripp’s book is revolutionary. It is entirely biblically based. The principles expressed are taken from the pages of God’s Word and are articulated to delve into the hearts of parents. This book is simply not about conforming a child’s behavior. It is about changing the hearts of sinful parents so that they can help shape children into the individuals God designed them to be.

Parents and children are both born sinners. As parents we are God’s imperfect ambassadors with the goal of leading our children to a place of recognition of their own sin. Tripp emphasizes the importance of parents being instruments of grace in the lives of their children as ambassadors, not owners. As parents, we must use every opportunity in life to introduce God and His redemptive plan for man to our children. Salvation is a child’s greatest need, and every discipline moment is an opportunity to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to the child. Parenting is a moment by moment, day by day rescue mission.

I love how Dr. Tripp reminds the reader to fight for the heart of the child. He stresses the realization that children are lost and in need of a Savior, and this truth helps parents not personalize the child’s wrong behaviors. A child doesn’t do wrong because he wants to make his parents upset but because he is lost, and wrong behaviors are a natural action of lost people. Children born into Christian families are born into families of faith, and while we have no ability to make changes in our children’s hearts, we are tools in the hands of God.

As parents, we are not left to ourselves. The cross of Christ means we don’t have to hide our struggles with parenting. We don’t have to act like we are something we aren’t. Jesus blesses us with forgiveness and the potential of the fruits of the spirit which are works of the Lord in our lives.

I am so thankful God allowed Parenting: Fourteen Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family to come across my path when my children are young. Parenting is hard work, and it is a life-long mission. Responsibilities may change as the child grows and matures, but once a parent, always a parent. May the Lord help me to be an ambassador of His forgiveness, love, and grace to my children.