SAFEGUARD #12
BUILDING YOUR FAMILY VISION, MISSION, & PURPOSE

In any area of business or ministry I’ve been a part of or in any church I’ve coached, one of the consistent things we have to focus on is vision. If there’s no vision for growth and expansion, then the church or business will not advance. Our homes are similar, and men, we’re called to lead the way in this. Do you have a vision for your family, your marriage, your kids, your finances, your calling, or your career? Let’s look at the essentials of vision, purpose, and mission to see how they safeguard our marriage.

Vision And Purpose

"Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law God]." Proverbs 29:18 Amplified Bible

Vision and purpose are key health factors in marriage and family. Purpose puts a demand on our lives in all areas, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When I’m saying demand, I’m not saying that in a bad sense. The demand calls out the best in us. The demand keeps us alive and on track. The vision pulls us out of a mundane life and into a beautiful and full life. Throughout the Bible, God calls individuals or families to step up and out into the unknown, and usually into the uncomfortable. God would give them a word or a call, and that would drive their life. When we leave the path and purpose of God, that’s when we start declining. King David became an example of this when the bible says in 2 Samuel that when it was the time for Kings to go out to war, David stayed home. And when he did, that’s when all hell broke loose in his life. Lack of purpose led him towards infidelity and murder. Vision keeps the wheels on your life. Purpose gives you drive.

There are many excellent books and resources on vision that you’ll want to dive into. But for the purpose of this plan, I’ll give us a working definition of vision, purpose, and mission.

• Vision is where we’re going.
• Purpose is why we’re doing it.
• Mission is who we’re doing it for.

Live With Purpose

I’m going to chat more about clarifying vision, but what drives your vision is purpose. Purpose ultimately comes as we link our personal and family vision to the house of God and His purpose. Part of why a marriage can feel average is because many marriages aren’t driven by purpose and mission. Everything in life is better and enhanced when we live out of our purpose and values; it's even greater when the purpose is beyond ourselves and focused on Kingdom-purpose. Living with purpose creates an alignment in your life and family that nothing else can do.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV

Put the plan and purpose of God first in all you do. This means that you pray and ask for direction on specific things He wants you to do, but even more than that, it means that in all that you do, you’re thinking about how you can advance and establish His Kingdom on Earth. Things that keep you and your marriage on purpose are identifying key non-negotiables that you will focus on. We took time to shape vision and values statements that capture what we feel God has for us. I’ll list out the values that keep us on purpose. Let these encourage and inspire you as you shape your values.

Deuth Family Values:

• Multiplication (Growth)
• Kindness (Honor)
• Peace (Trust)
• Rhythm (Generosity)
• Commitment (Integrity)
• Fun (Life)