Day 1: What Is Application?

Application answers the question: “How do I get there?”

The best meal on a cold winter day? No doubt, it's a steaming bowl of chili. We're not talking opinions here; it's a cold, hard fact. Now, everyone's got their own take on chili, but at its core, it's a magical mix of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a secret spice blend.

So, imagine your family's identity, purpose, and direction as the key ingredients laid out on your kitchen counter. You've got the unique flavors, but what's next? The magic happens when you combine them—that's application in a nutshell. It's about blending your family's identity, purpose, and direction and putting them into action, making them a part of your everyday life.

Remember, goals are dreams with deadlines. All those discoveries about your family, the ones from this plan and just life in general, won't materialize unless you work together. It's like having a recipe but never bothering to cook.

Sure, having a strong family identity, purpose, and direction is awesome. But without practically applying each of them in our lives, it’s like having a great workout routine written down on a list but never visiting the gym to put those exercises into practice—not much change would happen. It's not just about having those ideals written down; it's about actively living them out. The same goes for our family values and mission, and the family vision both have helped you create. These core principles are so much more than words; they should guide your family’s actions and decisions, shaping your daily lives.

The principle of Application answers the question, "How do we get there?" It's about doing one thing today to move your family closer to the direction they're meant to be moving in. Big or small, any step is a next step!

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 speaks directly to the principle of Application, which entails stewardship, follow-through, and active engagement with the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us. It's a timeless lesson that resonates with the importance of taking meaningful action rather than passively letting opportunities slip away.

In the context of family life, we can view our values, time, and relationships as the assets given to us by the Master, also known as God. Much like the servants in the parable, we're called to invest, nurture, and actively engage with what we've been given. It's not just about maintaining the status quo but about actively seeking growth and flourishing.

The contrast between the two servants who took action and the one who buried his talent is a striking reminder; it challenges us to consider how we're stewarding the precious resources within our families. Are we actively multiplying the love, time, and values we've been entrusted with, or are we burying them in the ground of routine and passivity? Think of it as taking those chili ingredients and turning them into a feast rather than letting them sit in the cabinet or pantry, contributing to not one thing that is delicious!

Setting specific goals is key. Goals give your dreams a deadline, turning them from abstract ideas into actionable plans. For example, a family goal could be creating a weekly family game night! See, we often hear phrases like "create goals" or "plan a family meeting," and it can feel overwhelming. But let me help alleviate that pressure. The truth is, goals can range from something as significant as making a million dollars in 72 days to as simple as spending 20 minutes with a spouse or sibling twice a week, asking about their day. The size of the goal is not what makes the result impactful. Jesus said that all we'd ever need is to have faith the size of a mustard seed—and with it, He could move mountains into the ocean. It's not the size of the goal that matters—it's the heart behind it. God can do so much in just five minutes of being present with our families.

Family meetings can happen during dinner, and it's okay if you're the only one recognizing it as such. A meeting is a gathering, whether it's during dinner, prayers before bed, or even during car rides to visit relatives. Some things in life need a specific approach, of course. But don’t overcomplicate the action steps on how to be intentional about being yourself with the ones you love most or even strangers at the grocery store.

Regular communication and collaboration within your family are like the secret spices in your chili. They ensure that your family's identity, purpose, and direction are consistently applied. It's about checking in, adjusting the recipe if needed, and keeping the flame alive.

God’s call is clear—let's be the good stewards who, through intentional and faith-filled action, see the fruits of growth and transformation within our families. Just as the responsible servants were richly rewarded, our active engagement with the values we cherish most can lead to a life that reflects the abundance of God’s kingdom. So, take those ingredients, whip up something delicious, and savor the taste of your family moving purposefully in God’s direction. After all, your family's journey is a culinary masterpiece in the making!

1. Consider a specific goal or dream you have for your family. How can you break down this goal into actionable steps with deadlines, turning it from an abstract idea into a practical plan?
2. Reflect on a typical day in your family life. How do your actions align with your family's identity, purpose, and direction? Are there adjustments you can make to ensure that your daily activities reflect your family's core values?
3. Think about the resources within your family, such as time, love, and values. In what ways are you actively investing and nurturing these resources? How can you avoid burying them in the ground of routine and passivity by ensuring they contribute to the growth and flourishing of your family?
4. Reflect on the role of regular communication and collaboration within your family, likened to the secret spices in chili. How can you enhance communication and collaboration to ensure that your family's identity, purpose, and direction are consistently applied in your daily lives? What adjustments can you make to keep the flame of connection alive?
5. Think about setting goals for your family, like the passage suggests. What practical and achievable goals can you set for your family? Remember, goals don't have to be big. How can you make it easier to intentionally spend quality time with your loved ones?