Family sermon series

I am amazed at how often I put off doing anything with my blog. Especially as I continue to do my series on families. I had planned to do a sermon synopsis after each sermon and then some additional insights. So I will do so today.

Two weeks ago, I had focused on the idea of a family vision statement. I used passages from Proverbs that spoke about the need to have some intentional ideas about vision and mission of one's family. For when we do not have a vision, we can lose our way. I compared that to going on a vacation. One could just jump into a car and go wherever without any planning or idea of direction. While there may be some value in doing that, it is also easy to get sidetracked and lost. A family that seems to be able to function more effectively begin with the end in mind of why they are a family. Much like when one wants to go to a particular place for vacation, one would use a map. Vision statements become our map.

Vision is based on the values and principles that we believe and want to instill in ourselves, the goals of the family and will help develop the character of the members of the family. Vision statements become a covenant with each member much like the covenant God has made with us. There are some questions that help focus a discussion not only for our families but also for our church family. What is this family about? Why would someone want to be a part of this family? What guides our decisions about family, work, money, recreation, church, etc.? One needs to take time to listen to one another. Ultimately it becomes what are we willing to be accountable to one another?

Once we have discussed the statement and arrive at something that everyone can agree on then write it down. Like any vision statement it is worthless if it is not something that everyone can remember and agree to do. Post it somewhere that everyone can see it. Our church's vision statement is posted on the wall where it can readily be seen when coming in the main doors and before one enters the sanctuary.

Last is use it. Words can be cheap unless they are put into action. It is important that one takes time to work it out and not just announce it. It is also important not to ignore it.

Last Sunday, continuing this theme we discussed priorities or putting first things first. In essence it is the process of taking the vision and values of the family and putting it into action. It is the process of recognizing that everything that we do we choose to do. It is not someone else who chooses. If we are concerned about what is happening to our children and the changes that we see in the world, we need to recognize that what is happening occurs through the choices the people make. If we are concerned about the shows on television for instance, we need to recognize that those shows only exist because we choose to watch them. If we are concerned about the lack of time we have with our family, we need to be accountable to how we use our time.

When we have a clarity about what is important for our family, are we living to those values? Too often there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do. What are our priorities? What are the principles that we can live by that are enduring? I listed some as my relationship with God and Jesus Christ, my marriage, my family, my church, my work, etc. The challenge is the willingness to make choices that match what it is that you say you believe. If one wants to simplify one's life what are you willing to do? Are you willing to set boundaries that live true to your values, even if it means making difficult and maybe even being unpopular decisions?
Family is not something that one can cram for like a test at school.