What is Your Vision? February 25, 2007
Posted by Erin in : Scripture Meditation , trackbackJoe,
I love when I get those glimpses of us being one, even in our thoughts of what to discuss next on a blog! I was actually going to bring up having a vision for our children (because I think you have great wisdom in the area of people having a vision for their lives) and you went ahead and brought it up on your own. If we are on the same wavelength like this after almost 5 years of marriage, imagine how scary we could be if the Lord would grant us 10 or 20 years!
I actually started thinking about a vision for our children as I was reading in Job this week. In chapter 21 Job is not in one of his better moments. He is in a place that I think all of have entered into at one point or another. He is questioning why it is even worth it to walk in righteousness. He looks around and sees the wicked seemingly prospering and enjoying life. In verse 11, he even goes on to comment on their children “They send out their little boys like a flock and their children dance.”
I know that this sort of observation has been a struggle for me before. I look at other families who are not seeking to love the Lord and wonder how it is that their children are so well-behaved (or don’t throw temper tantrums or whatever else you want to put in there). Then part of me starts to wish my children were that way or envy their family. When I step back and look at why I am feeling this way, I realize I have lost sight of the vision I have for my children.
Our vision is not raise the most well-behaved or obedient children. We want to raise children who ultimately love Jesus with all their heart and soul and mind and strength. Now this transformation of heart will flow out into external obedience, but the external obedience is not the goal. Is it worth it to us to strive with our children for years and years exposing their sin and pointing to the cross of Christ and finally have them saved? Or are we just wanting the immediate work of outward behavior while raising children who are headed to hell. Too often we are satisfied with the outward change of behaviors instead of an inward heart change.
So we must get specific about what we desire and envision for our children, but also keep the broad goal in mind that we desire to raise children who cherish God above all else. When we have this vision for their lives, it will change the way we speak, instruct, and discipline, amoung many other things.
Desiring to raise children who love Jesus,
Erin
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?