Some parents trust in a particular school. Others trust in the ability of the youth leader. Some parents rely on morality. They place their children in front of a wholesome Christian video and trust that Christians will emerge. For most of us, it is more basic. We rely on ourselves—our sincerity, our wisdom, the way our parents raised us, our family traditions, or our cleverness.
But gospel-centered parents trust in the gospel. It is their confidence and hope. The gospel "is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Rom. 1:16). They know that the Word of God is living and active. It pierces (Heb. 4:12)...
This is important. You cannot change your child's heart. You need power outside yourself ... Ultimately, the gospel is the decisive heart changer.
(Gospel-Powered Parenting: How the Gospel Shapes and Transforms Parenting, Copyright ©2009, pages 181-182)
