Purpose is a big deal - Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he." Another word for vision is revelation or purpose and another way of saying perish is "cast off restraint." So, without a purpose, the people cast off restraint and run wild; but those that know God's purpose for their lives are happy. Explains a lot, doesn't it.
I have the opportunity to see children in a variety of situations, and I can attest to the truthfulness of this verse. Children who have a sense of purpose for their lives behave differently than those who seem to have no real hope or vision for the future. Oh, they are still children and occasionally make poor choices, but overall they seem to go through their days with focus, knowing that the future depends upon the choices they make now. Those who seem to have no purpose or hope for the future are simply led by whatever feels good at the moment - usually with disasterous results!
With all that in mind, I have been thinking a lot about what my family's purpose might be....especially since I really want a happy family! (With two teenagers, that's tough sometimes!) I know that no family happens just by accident, and my family least of all! Just look at us...when we sit down at the table for supper we look like the United Nations sitting down for a summit meeting! My husband and I are so white we practically glow in the dark, my father was at least one quarter Native American, my husband's ancestors were Irish. My daughter is half African American, and half caucasion. My son is a delightful mix of Irish, Chinese, Korean, and Phillipino. Together we make a family....but for what purpose? What did God have in mind when He put us all together as one? I know He's used us to tear down walls of ignorance and share His love with those around us. I'm still praying that I will catch the vision for what exactly He has for us to do.
What would happen if Christians everywhere started looking at their own lives, and that of their families, as having a purpose? I have a feeling the world would be a very different place.
I'd love to hear from you about what God has shown you about purpose for your family. Perhaps your comments will inspire others to live life with a renewed sense of purpose and vision for what God will do.
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is he who keeps the law. "
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."
1 comment:
You know.... a lot of people don't ever view purpose through the lens of "family". Parents have occupations and kids go to school. All of these are part of the purpose, being faithful in the here and now, but I have always been challenged with the idea that my whole family has a purpose! I love this blog and hope people get a vision for their whole family...not just themselves. GREAT POST!
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