Begin Dreaming For Your Family

Recent studies show that as kids raised in church are graduating high school 88 percent of them are also "graduating" the church once they enter college.¹ That means that about every 7 out of 8 kids attending your church will no longer attend a church once they start higher education. Will your child or their friends be part of this statistic? This is not an option. Something must be done.

Have you picked up a newspaper, gone online or flipped on the television today?

If so, did you skim over the deluge of shocking headlines-pop icons committing suicide or getting committed to rehab; underage actress arrested for driving under the influence; another student turning a gun on his school or on his unsuspecting town? What is causing this chaos, what damage is it doing to your kids, and what can be done to stop it? What can you do?

As parents we must build a culture in our home stronger than the culture deceiving our kids. If we are going to build a strong culture in our homes for our kids and rescue them from a culture bent on deception, we have to start by recreating ourselves.

We first need to begin by being the primary shapers in our kids lives. With purposeful and thought-through steps you will recreate your life, your home, and your children. Today we will give you a few simple points of thought that will help you begin the process of dreaming.  It has been said (although it would be impossible to document) that 98 percent of our population are followers of culture and 2 percent are the shapers of culture. 

Where are the people of God in the 2 percent?  Are we merely the 98 percent?  Can we not dream?  Can we be the dreamers and shapers of culture in our homes and in our kids lives?

In Joel 2:28 it says: "And after this I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophecy and your old men will dream dreams." Can we as the older generation dream dreams for our children, our homes, and our church?

Let us encourage you as we move forward in these next few weeks to consider and discuss with your spouse the following questions:

• What is the culture/atmosphere in your home?
• Where is the spiritual temperature of your home?
• Where do I see my family headed over the next 6 month?
• What dreams do you have for your family?
• What are the steps for putting your dreams into practice?

Take some time on your own or with your spouse to get on your knees before God. Since He is the original Creator of culture, He alone knows how to bring it back to life and in line with His Word. Ask him to open your eyes to the things going on in your own life. Show you how to be a creator of culture rather than a follower.

¹ Jon Walker, "Family Life Council Says It's Time to Bring Family Back to Life," Southern Baptist Council, June 12, 2002. http://www.sbcannualmeeting.net/sbc02/newsroom/newspage.asp?ID=261 (accessed May 2008).

This article was adapted from Ron’s book, Re-Create: Building a Culture in Our Homes That Is Stronger Than the Culture Deceiving Our Kids. Look for it at your nearest bookstore, or visit www.battlecry.com for more information.  

Ron Luce is the president and founder of Teen Mania Ministries, a Christian organization reaching millions of young people worldwide. He passionately declares the Gospel through Acquire the Fire TV broadcasts, youth events, camps and media resources, challenging teens to take a stand for Christ. www.teenmania.org.