The Importance of Vision

"Vision is a plan or a dream for the future." ~ Mark Harper

Do you have a vision or a dream for your family?

I am not talking about you picking in detail what your child will be or do when they grow up. I mean a vision or a dream in how they will present themselves, the type of character you hope to instill in them, etc.

We as parents have a part to play ~ a BIG part to play. We must think with the future in mind. EVERYTHING we do NOW matters and counts. It helps to shape and mold who our children will be when they grow up.

You see, we are the grown ups in the house. Children do not fully grasp what things will be like as they get older. They don't understand that if they are lazy, they will not be able to hold down a job, etc. That's why we are here to help our children with these tendencies.

I think what makes our job even harder is the fact that we are such imperfect beings as parents trying to help train a child. That is why it is super important to have time with the Lord so that He can breathe His very strength into us and help guide us in how we should train our children.

"Our vision must be a heavenly vision." ~ Mark Harper

Our vision for our family should not be for the glory of man. It should be for the glory of God. Our vision should not be just about us. Jesus was about other people and if we are going to have a heavenly vision that comes from God, then it must be about others.

"He must become greater, I must become less." John 3:30 (NIV)

I desire to see my children have a rock solid faith, an active relationship with Christ where they are gaining fresh revelation from His Word daily. I desire to see Christ be their all in al. I desire to see them treat others with respect and know that they are subject to being wrong. I want them to look out for the needs of others before their own. I want them to see a need and choose to do something about it and not just think or talk about it ~ do it. I want to see them decline the job promotion if God tells them no even if it would benefit their wallet. I want them to know God and make Him known. I'm not concerned about what particular job they choose to take if they are following what God has for them. I want them to know they are walking in obedience. They will then experience the joy and freedom that brings.

My challenge to you: What is the vision you have for your family? Have you and your spouse talked about it? What are you doing about it? Are you ACTIVELY working towards instilling your family values in your children? Is your vision a heavenly vision or for selfish gain? Write it down. Take one step at a time.

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18

Perish means to destroy or ruin. We must have a vision and not just kind of feel our way through life when it comes to spiritual things. The world (Satan) has a plan and his plan is to do all he can to lead our children away from God. We have to be proactive, parents. There is no time like the present ~

if  not...

our children may be successful in the world's eye, but be in ruin when it comes to the spiritual. In our relationship with God it is through obedience to Him that we find TRUE joy and freedom.