AoO Chapter 10: A Heart for God

All parents want good things for our children: good education, job, marriage, children, home, and a life without tragedy. However, what is the central wish that should be the foundation of everything we want for our children? David captures this:

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple (Ps. 27:4)

David describes a "heart for God." We cannot let anything be greater than this. The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that the chief goal of man is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever".

GOAL 4: Developing a Heart for God in Your Teenager
Tripp gives several reasons why homes that profess to know Christ have no desire for God.

1. Familiarity - taking God's truth for granted
2. Lifestyle - busy schedules prevent parents from diving deep into the hearts of their children on a regular basis
3. Hypocrisy - parents may profess to know Christ but deny Him in their attitudes and actions (see discussion on chapter 2: Whose Idols are in the Way?)

What are the signs of a pursuit for God?

• There will be an independent life of personal worship and devotion to God
• Desire for corporate worship, instruction, and fellowship
• Open to discussions about spiritual things
• God affects how they make decisions

Tripp closes with some practical ways that parents can grow their own heart for God as a means for transferring this heart to their children.

Alex's thoughts: I like this chapter, but unfortunately, it has one big shortcoming. Tripp leaves out the biggest reason why people don't have a heart for God: being unsaved. Not everyone who makes a profession of faith is genuinely saved. Those who are saved will have a heart for God, as they are new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) and have been born again (John 3:3). Someone who isn't born again will not have a heart for God. The scriptures are filled with stunning illustrations that show this.

For example, in Matthew 7:15-24, Jesus illustrates the difference between true and false conversion with several examples. First, the narrow way leads to eternal life, while the broad way leads to eternal destruction. The good tree bears good fruit, while the bad tree bears bad fruit (and will be cut down and thrown into the fire). The true believer does the will of the Father while the professing believer who does not do the will of the Father will hear "I never knew you" from Jesus.

For other parables illustrating the difference between true and false converts, see: Matt 12:33-37, Matt. 13, Matt. 22:1-13, Matt 25, Mark 4:1-20, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 6:43-49, Luke 8:4-15, Luke 12:35-48, etc...

Side note: Remember that we are saved by grace through faith, not be works. The good fruit we bear and the submission shown to Christ is the outward evidence of inward change.

Questions to ponder:

• Is a heart for God important to you? If so, how is that demonstrated in your life?
• What areas do you need to change so that you and your family will grow your heart for God?
• What are the indications of true conversion?
• The parables Jesus tell should have a two-fold effect: they should cause true believers to examine ourselves and then serve as warnings for us. Take time to study the passages and ask for God's Spirit to teach and enlighten our hearts.