Psalm 115:16
[16] The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s : but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
Genesis 1:26 says that man has been given dominion over the earth.
Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
‘Thy kingdom come‘ is our mandate. We are here to advance the will of heaven in the earth.
The purpose God has for family is to advance His Kingdom.
Isaiah 9:6-7
[6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
In the past, people were mindful of the legacy they would leave behind. They were concerned about the future of their lineage. They poured into their children because they knew they were creating succession.
Family is meant to create succession. Parents should pour into their children, and raise them in the ways of the Lord.
The enemy tries to make us consumer-minded rather than a producer-minded. We can become so wrapped up in what we want, and what makes us happy, that we neglect what God has called us to do.
Don’t just consume as a family, be producers.
Psalm 127:1
[1] Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
God keeps the city through the house/family that He builds
These days so many live with a consumer mindset that is self-centered. For example, people get divorced because they don’t feel ‘happy’ anymore, which is detrimental for children. But they are so focused on themselves, they are willing to sacrifice the stability of their children.
Don’t let a consumer mindset cause you to abandon your responsibilities and neglect the purpose God has given you.
Psalm 127:3-5
[3] Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5] Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
The gate was where all important business happened. Its where news was received, and where trade happened. Important meetings took place at the gate. Our children will succeed us. We must raise them in a way that they honor God, and are productive for His kingdom. That is God’s will for family.
God intended families to be strong so that the city would be strong.
Psalm 103:17
[17] But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;