God's blueprint for life
Do you know what a “blueprint” is? It is the specifications of a building plan. If you were constructing a new home, your builder would follow a “blueprint” to make sure that the home was built properly. Without a plan, the home would be a mess! Thankfully, God has given us some clear instruction about how to build our lives, and our homes, in a way that honors Him. Read Deuteronomy 6:12-14; 17-18 to discover four specifications that God has for our lives and for our families!
What is God’s blueprint for my life and my family?
1) Remember how far God has brought you! 12 be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Deuteronomy 6:12
As the Israelites prepared to move into the land God had promised them, Moses wanted to make sure that they remembered how far the Lord had brought them… from slavery to freedom! How far has God brought you? How has God been at work in your life? (Romans 6:22-23)
The truth is, you have a faith story to share! Have you shared your story with your children or with others who may still be far from God? God can and will use your story to inspire others and to draw them to Him. He will use your story to make an impression and leave a mark for Jesus Christ! How far has God brought you… from dark days, heartache, loss, pain, illness, discouraging and disappointing seasons of life?
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
No matter what challenges or heartaches or pains or betrayals or loss or disappointments you are going through these days, or will go through in the days ahead, God is at work! Remember how far He has brought you.
2) Fear God! 13 Fear the Lord your God, Deuteronomy 6:13a
To fear the Lord is actually a concept that stems from family - from the parent/child relationship. It is a healthy fear that parents desire from their children… that is a deep desire for their child to honor them… for the child to act in a way that would never disappoint their parents. This is how God wants us to act toward Him… to live with a deep desire to honor Him; to not disappoint Him. (Deuteronomy 10:12). Do you fear the Lord? Are you teaching your children to fear the Lord?
3) Serve God! 13 Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 6:13
Moses knew that when the Israelites made their way into the promised land that they would be influenced to worship other gods. He wanted them to be focused on serving the Lord only, which is why he called them to take oaths in His name or to pledge allegiance to the Lord over any other gods. (Deut. 6:14).
Jesus modeled a life of service for us and defined greatness as a willingness to serve God and others. (Matt. 20:26-28). Do you define greatness that way? Most people tend to view “greatness” by the world’s standards for “success”… wealth, trophies, income, titles, possessions; but Jesus defined greatness, not by “success”, but by service! How are you serving the Lord and serving others, in His name?
4) Do what is right and good! 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you. Deuteronomy 6:17-18
I think most people want to do what is “right and good”; after all, who wants to do what is “wrong and bad”? How do I do what is right and good? For clarity, read Micah 6:8
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Why is it important for me to follow God’s blueprint for my life and my family?
Life works best when I follow God’s blueprint! 18…so that it may go well with you. Deuteronomy 6:18b. Life may not be perfect… in fact, it won’t ever be perfect. But it goes far better when we follow God’s blueprint for our lives! Will you commit to follow the specs in God’s blueprint for your life and with your family?
