The Spark Generation
We’re in week 3 of a 4-week series we’ve called “Influencers”. You know. Those unusual people online who have the uncanny ability to get millions of likes, follows, and shares for their content. They’re entertaining. Their posts capture our attention. What if, just beyond your screen, you could see the influence that lives under your roof, in your family, and in the community right where you live? It’s wrapped up in people older than you, younger than you, and even — in you.
Genuine influence isn’t virtual. It’s right by your side.
Unstoppable Influence
Something powerful happens when the wisdom of the mature joins the passion of the young. At every stage of life, God's given us something to contribute and something to learn. When we make time to listen to one another and spend time with people who aren't at the same stage of life as us, we discover a much broader way to see the world.
The Spark Generation
From crazy uncles to the black sheep of the family, it’s easy to believe that family is something that happens to you. But if you take a closer look, family is so much more than that. It’s true, for the youngest among us, for our children; family is something that happens to them. But as adults, you may face challenges that are difficult to overcome, but the quality and condition of your family is ultimately something we choose.
1 John 2:12-14 says that, as Believers, we are adopted into God’s family. Verse 12 says, “I write to you little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.”
That reveals something remarkable about your Heavenly Father. You aren’t forgiven because of something you’ve done. The love He has for you isn’t something you earn. He didn’t adopt you because of what you can do for Him. You are forgiven because of who He is. You’re in His family because He chooses you.
It establishes a pattern worth imitating when we decide how to build our family.
A Place of Affection and Protection
Your home can be a place of affection and protection. 1 Corinthians 13 says that love doesn’t keep record of wrongs. 1 Peter says love covers a multitude of sins. When you imitate the love of the Heavenly Father, your home becomes a place where love doesn’t keep score. Your home provides godly guardrails and the guidance of wisdom. Confession and forgiveness are frequent, and the freedom of lovingkindness draws people together.
A Place Where Someone is on Your Side
God has proven it. He’s on your side. He sent His one and only Son to live a perfect life, die a sacrificial death, and to rise again so that He might adopt you into His family. God disciplines those He loves. It’s not the discipline of one who hopes to crush you or destroy your joy, but of a loving Father who sees the best in you and knows exactly how to draw it out.
A Place to Discover Your God-given Purpose
In God’s family, you have a significant task. He made you for a mission. When you imitate your Heavenly Father, your family becomes a safe place for everyone to discover exactly who God created you to be.
Reflection Questions
What’s your favorite defining quality of your family?
How can you make your family a place of affection and protection, a place where someone is on your side?
How can you shift your family habits from “keeping score” to loving confession and forgiveness?
How can you help each other find your God-given purpose?
