Mom Life Series: The One & Only Parenting Book You Ever Need

We all need help as a momma. We’re tired. We work hard for our family. We need hope and encouragement from the people who have been deep in the motherhood trenches before us. That’s why parenting books, blogs, and forums are so popular. We NEED each other. We need to know it’s not just us going through the tough stuff.

But I’m here to meet you with a 30-day challenge: STOP READING PARENTING BOOKS.

Yes, I’m actually telling you to take all parenting books off of your nightstand for 30 days. All of them except one. Out of the hundreds of thousands of parenting books ever written, there is one that trumps them all and meets all of our motherhood needs.

5 Reasons Why The Bible Is The Best Parenting Book Ever Written

1. It was written by God.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:1

God and His Word are one in the same. The Bible isn’t just a book. It is God. And His Word is waiting to speak new life into our parenting.

2. Its lessons can be applied to all children, regardless of age, personality type, or birth order.

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”

Psalm 119:9

This verse says “young person.” But the key to this verse is the word “stay.” If a young person is staying on the path, yes, you will be on it when you are young, but also when you are middle-aged, and when you are old. But you can only “stay” by living according to God’s Word. As mommas, it’s our job to guide our young ones using God’s Word so they will continue to “stay” when they grow old. The Bible’s parenting lessons are timeless and ageless.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Our goal is to raise children that are servants of God. It doesn’t matter if they are first born, shy, a toddler or a teenager. The Bible provides God-breathed instruction for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. No parenting book can boast these credentials to apply to every child.

3. It’s relevant regardless of parenting style.

As for God, his way is perfect; The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 18:30

Do you co-sleep? Are you passionate about organic-only food choices? Do you homeschool or send your kids to private school?

Whatever your parenting style, the Word of God is perfect and flawless. It will guide you to make the most important parenting choices without discrimination. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you are a crunchy mom or a hot mess mom or Pinterest mom. God’s way and Word is perfect for you.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:33-34

While we all have preferences for the way we parent, no decision we will ever make triumphs our call to action in Matthew 6. Our parenting needs to be guided by our desire to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. The Bible will guide us, making everything else fade to a lower priority.

4. It comes with a Counselor, available 24 hours a day.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:26

If we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that God raised him the the dead, we are saved (Romans 10:9-10). With this salvation, the Holy Spirit dwells within us and guides us. If we consult both God’s Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit (our advocate/counselor) at the same time – what a powerhouse resource for parenting! The encouragement, the love, the direction, the discipline; So much parenting wisdom spoken directly to us from God himself!

5. It will guide you to be the best possible parent you can be.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Psalm 119:105

We live in a dark and scary world, filled with sin and corruption. God’s Word is the only inerrant, pure, and perfect book in existence. It will be a light to our tired momma feet (that might still be bruised from stepping on legos), and a light to our path (that is probably piled high with laundry). Motherhood is a beautiful gift from God. The Bible is our guide, our lighted path, to being the mom God designed us to be. We won’t get it perfect in this life, but the Bible will get us much closer than we ever will on our own.

Messy Tired Love Challenge: Stop Reading Parenting Books

So, here’s your challenge: STOP READING PARENTING BOOKS.

Not forever, just for one month. When you need advice, tips, comfort, or a sanity check – open the Bible. After you’ve gone 30 days with the Bible as your only parenting guide, assess your parenting. Ask yourself, your husband, and your kids how things went this month.

Did you have more patience?

Were your children more receptive to your guidance?

Was your perspective on parenting transformed?

If you take this challenge, I’d love to hear how it goes! Leave a comment and share your story.

For more Mom Life Series posts, click here. To learn more about these devotionals for Christian moms, click here.