Building a Vision - Part 2

As we are building our vision we need to stay directly in step with God's calling.  We need to look for God's best.
  
1 Corinthians 10:23  All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.  

Don't be distracted by what is less than best.  Sometimes parents will ask the question, "What's wrong with fill in the blank?".  Anything less than God's best is not acceptable.  We should just live wanting to please God - nothing else.  Jesus offers love, joy and peace.  As Christians we can't live wanting as much of the world's fun as possible.  "Fun" might cost you dearly, but joy just keeps on giving.  Take a look at the influence of everything on your child's life.  We want God's best even when it doesn't make sense.  

There may be a host of dissenting voices telling you what you should do.  Respond to God's calling - obediently.  Take action.  We must obey the direction that God has given to our family.  This isn't to be any type of accolade to the family.  It's all about Jesus Christ.  

Are you discouraged over some area of your child rearing?  Are there any promises that can be applied to it?  Go to God's word!   

Building a Vision - Part 1

This post is written based on notes I took at a conference I attended several years ago.  The conference was led by The Maxwell Family.  I highly recommend their website and all of their resources.  You can find them here. 

As we think about building our homes we need to think about our vision. As Christian families we have to have a vision.  So many families don't have a vision.  It's like saying we are going on vacation but we don't know where we are going.  Without a vision it is very easy to start following the world.  

Here are some important steps for building a vision.

• Understand God's calling
• Spend time with the Lord every day
• Glean from scripture what God wants for your family
• Pray
• Abide in Jesus

We must consider where our heart is.  Pour your heart out to God and then listen.  God will give us scripture for our families.  That scripture becomes our road map.  If we don't have a vision it is very difficult to discern God's voice above everyone else.  He wants to give us direction.  

It is helpful to write out a Vision Statement for your family.  I will share some of what we have for ours here.  Talk with your husband and pray about what your family Vision Statement should include.  

Joyfully serve others
Be obedient to God and parents
Pursue holiness
Court, not date
Be content
Love God's word
Our children to give their hearts to us
Be self-disciplined


Are we brave enough to hear the word of God, obey, trust Him and leave the results to Him?  If we are different we WILL be criticized.  Are you willing to be different?  To be fools for Christ?  What is the Lord calling you to do with your children?  God's word never fails!