Whether intentionally or unintentionally, each of us has created a “culture” in our homes. What is the culture in your home?
The dictionary defines culture as:
“The attitudes and behavior characteristic of a particular social group.”
How can we better develop the attitudes and behavior characteristics of our families and create a “Christ-centered” culture in our homes?
Creating a culture will be easier once you have done the following:
1- Define you family’s Core Values
2- Create a mission statement for your family
3- Develop a crystal clear vision for your family’s future and make that vision known to al family members through a written vision statement.
This summer my kids will be writing the core values, mission, and vision we have created as a family. We will then frame these as a reference for decision making in our home.
Here’s a list of the Core Values we are using which I have modified from John Maxwell’s “Leadership Bible.”
SHAVER FAMILY CORE VALUES
(taken from Matthew 6:1-7:27)
1- Prioritize eternal things, not temporal
2- Pray & live God’s agenda, not your own
3- Relationships will make or break you
4- Do the right things for the right reasons
5- Don’t sweat the small stuff
6- God’s kingdom is paramount; seek it first
7- Judge yourself before you judge others
8- If you need something, ask; if you have something, give it
9- Stay true to your convictions; don’t wander from the narrow path
10- Obedience to God is the only sure foundation for life
Next, we will define, write, and frame our “Shaver Family Mission Statement.”
The definition of a mission statement is below:
Mission statement:
“A formal summary of the aims and values of a company, organization or individual.”
We are going to summarize the core values above into a short, memorable mission statement. I have not worked this all through yet, but I’m thinking something like:
“The Shaver family will treat others in the way in which we would want to be treated, while loving, serving and obeying God. We will do all things with excellence as unto the Lord, and look for opportunities to be a blessing to those around us. By diligently studying God’s Word we will make decisions based on eternal truth and wisdom.”
My husband and I have a vision for our family and it is simply this:
“To love, serve and obey God out of a deep, sincere, faith-filled and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We share Christ with others by example.”
Next, using these 3 things we will rid our home of anything that does not line up with our values, mission, and vision. (Ex. We recently threw away all our rated R DVD’s that we had from our “previous lives” before we were Christians)
Lastly, purchase age appropriate tools to equip your family to begin fulfilling your goals. (Tip: my 12 & 8 yr. old boys LOVE the “Action Bible” and “Bibleman” DVD’s)
We would love to read your core values, mission and vision statements. So please email us or post them on our Facebook page!
Matthew 5:16
New King James Version (NKJV)
”Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Written by Jamie Shaver