"We have been established for over 100 years and have been pleasing and displeasing customers ever since. We have made money and lost money, suffered the effects of coal rationing, government control and bad payers. We have been cussed and discussed, messed about, lied to, held up, robbed and swindled. The only reason we stay in business is to see what happens next."
It is regrettable that this seems to be the motto of many families. I watch some of my neighbors drive in and out of our cul-de-sac and I wonder at their aimlessness. They have no purpose, no plan, and no destination. Their lives are filled with personal gain, selfish goals and temporary pleasures.
Our lives need purpose and direction. In the book of Jeremiah, we read of God's purpose for one man. God reassures Jeremiah that he is able to do the task set before him, even though it is monumental. He says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
What a beautiful statement of purpose we see here. To be known by God, to be ordained to do His work - what could be more wonderful? And yet, that is the purpose for which God created all people. We are to love Him and serve Him and do His work. When our hearts are in tune with His desires, our lives gain significance and meaning. No longer must we come and go with no direction; we have a path to follow and a plan for life.
Most companies today have what is called a mission statement. It is a written declaration of that company's purpose and goals for the future. From time to time the company's directors will review the mission statement to see if anything needs to be changed or added. I think Christian families ought to develop mission statements as well. We ought to be continually reviewing our direction and goals, making sure that we are following our purpose-to do God's work.
God's plan for us can be overwhelming at times, just as it was for Jeremiah. He was not sure that he was qualified to do what God wanted him to do. Sometimes I feel that way as a parent. But God always reassures me that I can accomplish my goal, if only I keep His purpose before me and never waver from it.
Here are some ways you can "live on purpose" in your home. First, make sure you understand and teach your children the importance of knowing God places value in them and has a specific plan for their life. As parents, be sure to point out the importance of not necessarily following your plan that you have for your children. Impress upon them to follow God's plan which supercedes any goals we set as parents.
One of the ways I remind our children the importance of following God is to every now and then ask this question, "Who made you?" They always respond by saying, "God did." Then I'll say, "Does he have a plan for you?" They will say, "Yes, he does." Then we talk about the fact that though that plan may not yet be understood, they must live in obedience so they can go in the direction God wants for their life.
It is so important for us as parents to set the example of following God. When I live in disobedience to the Lord's will for my life, my children also see that. The inconsistency in me sets a poor standard for them. Knowing my purpose and following the Lord's will becomes critically important in helping them understand the plan he has for them.
Together we need to continue to lay our purpose for our family before the Lord and daily seek to commit ourselves and our children to follow him in accomplishing the tasks he sets before us.
Makin' It Happen at Home:
1. What is your family's purpose or mission statement? Write it out.
2. What am I doing as a parent to remind my children of God's value in them and His purpose for their lives?
3. List each family member by name and write down some things you have already seen that God has used them to accomplish on this earth. Give a prayer of thanks to the Lord for helping us live on purpose.
