On our third and final day of defining who we are as a family, we turn our hearts toward what we know we need to do better. To think that we are not flawed is an error. To think that there is no need to improve is also a misjudgment. To think that we have arrived is only to mean we have missed the bus.

We must continually strive to be all that God created us to be – both individually and as a family. To be complete, we must never lose sight of the fact that the whole concept of Glorification (after Justification and Sanctification) reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice is what cleans up what we could not during our lifetime. However, we should NEVER stop trying to get better.

You have often heard me use the phrase “Coram Deo.” It means that God is the Quorum or the deciding factor. So as we live under His gaze and presence it should encourage us to continue our efforts to grow and develop into His complete creation. He knows our heart. He knows if we are making an effort and moving toward a life of wholeness and integrity.  In 1 Corinthians 10:31 it says: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  Again Paul admonishes us with this: “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

The goal is simple. Each day we try to widen the gaps between our selfishness and sin. Each and every day we look to the Bible, listen to His Spirit and strive to see hear what He is saying through people and circumstances. We can never tire of working toward completion. (Galatians 6:9)

The secret to achieving the full extent of this process is doing something others want to do for you! That’s right, others will want to judge you – day in day out! So, “. . . if we would judge ourselves, we will not be judged.” (I Corinthians 11:31) Whether or not others have their say about the way we live our lives is of little consequence if you are right before God. You will never make everyone happy, you know that. So take the time before going to bed each night. Evaluate your progress, ask for advice, but most of all be who God created you to be.

Now, as a family we have some work to do, based on what we all came up with in 2009. Let’s reconsider those points and see if we have made progress in the past few years. If not, the goal is ever before us and there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Which ones are you getting better at?

• Being more strategic and long-term thinkers
• Taking initiative in our lives
• Taking responsibility where appropriate
• Being more considerate of others
• Being stronger in clarity of communication
• Clean up after ourselves, leaving the place better than when we arrived
• Thinking more creatively and productively
• Listen and read the Bible more
• Volunteer to help others
• Display greater discipline with our lives
• Think before we act, speak or display anger
• Linger and spend more time with each other
• Use things for their intended purpose

Love Dad