via TJC
“Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” ~Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Congratulations! Together we have journeyed through all 66 books of the Bible! This is a really BIG Deal. Together we committed to a lengthy process. We increased the depth of our Biblical knowledge. We made the Bible and our faith our own. Whether this was the first time you’ve read through the entire Bible, or if it’s the 10th time; regardless of where you joined in, at the beginning, somewhere in the middle or just a week ago, thank you. You may wonder why we embarked on this adventure the way we did, it’s easy: understanding how to live among those with a “post-Christian” worldview begins with knowing & understanding the Bible. We did the Bible Adventure so that together we would increase our biblical knowledge and inscribe it on our hearts and to give us context on how to live. That application begins with you and your family brother. One of the “easy” and practical ways to consider how to apply it is to ask yourselves (and your family) what is the mission and purpose of your family?
A few weeks ago my wife and I had dinner with a couple that has been disciplining us for over 20 years. They have walked with us through the lowest of lows and celebrated the highest of highs. For over 20 years we have watched them grow their family to 11 and purposefully launch each one out into the world. Each of them have different occupations, some are stay at home parents, they live all over the world. But what they have most in common is an inspiring love for the Lord and each other.
At dinner my wife asked, how did you do it? How did you succeed?” A question that could have been answered with vague platitudes, but their answer was quick and succinct. Together as if on cue they gave us their family’s mission statement. I’m going to paraphrase “To serve in uniform, as a family that loves the Lord, demonstrates His goodness to those in and out of uniform, and raise children who do the same whether they are in or out of uniform.”
It was so simple. And yet so profound. It was clear that the success was not defined by what occupation they or their kids have. But rather, how they serve, live and glorify God. They could have all of the treasures and titles in the world, their kids could all be astronauts and PhDs. and would see that as a loss if they (and their legacy) didn’t serve others and love the Lord. From those 9 children they now have over 20 grandkids who are being trained in a similar way in the “family business”.
Daily Battle Order:
Ok, right now recite your family’s mission or purpose statement. Can your wife and kids recite it too? If not, spend some time altogether, pray on it, craft it out and put it in action with the generations to follow in mind.