Leave A Legacy - Trust Fall SeriesSample

Spiritual Depth and Godly Purpose

What words are you repeating to others? Nobody has ever gone to marriage counseling and said, "You know what? My husband tells me he loves me all the time and I'm sick of it." It doesn't happen like that. If anything, we don't say it enough, right? 

Do you know what parenting is? This isn't going to be found in some psychological journal, but parenting is basically being a parrot with a right heart. It's repeating the same thing over and over, but with the right heart. Yet, what happens in parenting? We say the same thing over and get ticked off about it, don't we? "I think I said pick up your shoes. Do I have to say this every day for the rest of your life?" Yes, you do. 

Parenting is a continual repetition. But it's not just saying, "Pick up your shoes." It's also saying, "God has a purpose for you. God has a plan for you. God has a love for you. God can see you through this. The Bible is real. Yes, we're going to church when we're busy. Yes, we're going to be a worshiping family. Yes, we're going to declare the truths of the Lord. Yes, we're going to be generous. Yes, we're going to treat each other well even when it's not convenient."

As parents, we often have two goals: basic morality and earthly success. But these two are not enough. Of course these goals are important, but God wants to do something deeper in your life. He does want you to have morals and earthly success, but He calls us first to set goals such as spiritual depth and seeking God's purpose.

“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but he forfeits his soul?” It’s about having spiritual success in this realm as well as the next. This doesn't mean your children have to be missionaries or pastors. Rather, what I’m saying is be cautious that you are satisfied with basic morality and earthly success. Why? Because your goals will become what you repeat. What will be the result for your children? They will believe, “I need to be successful. I need to make a lot of money.” 

What if your desire is to repeat spiritual depth into your children’s lives? I want godly purpose to be a goal in their lives. These profound goals keep your marriage together, your heart together, and give you purpose in whatever you do. You could be absolutely miserable and tremendously moral. You don't have to be a believer in Christ to be successful. You want to go deeper than earthly success.