This guest post by Paul Tripp provides a taste of some of the truths you will hear at our next Gospel + Parenting session. Join us on Saturday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. at the West Seattle Expression. At this encouraging and refreshing event, Paul Tripp will offer (via video) much more than a to-do list. Instead, he will present us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents.
Why is Parenting So Hard?
If you are a parent, I don’t have to tell you that parenting is challenging. It has probably drawn out of you things you didn’t think were there. The Bible is incredibly helpful in leading us to understand why it is so challenging.
Think about this: what is parenting? It is a flawed person who is commissioned to give direction and guidance and help to a flawed person. Does that discourage you? It doesn’t end there. But with the help of a faithful God.
Parenting is hard because it is a sinner with a sinner. And what is the DNA of sin? 2 Corinthians 5:15 tells us that it is selfishness. I don’t want to be disagreed with. I don’t want to be challenged. I don’t want somebody to make my day difficult. I want children who say, “Yes, father, I will forthwith go and obey you because you, sir, are wise.” But I don’t get that.
So it’s the selfishness of my child that hooks my selfishness. It is important to understand that there is a reason why it is a struggle. But it is also important to understand that God knew you would struggle. At some point he would come, live the life you couldn’t live, and die the death you should have died, so that you would have every single thing you need as a parent.
You see, it’s not a mystery why this is hard. Therefore, God has entered your life with his grace. He knows it’s hard. He doesn’t judge you because it’s hard. Instead, he meets you with help
Dr. Paul David Tripp is a pastor, international event speaker, and an award-winning and best-selling author. With more than 30 books and video series on Christian living, Paul’s driving passion is to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Paul and his wife Luella live in Philadelphia; they have four grown children.