One of the great joys of being a leader here at kamp, is the fact that we get to help impact lives for the Lord. Personally for me, nothing is more exciting than being able to help grow others to live life with a purpose. It's the Great Commission that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 28. We are about the business of making leaders who grab a Kingdom Vision and pass that on to others.
One of my favorite people to ever walk through the gates of Kwest is Adam Barnett. An energetic, all smiles, never stop having fun character and personality, allows him to influence literally thousands of kids and college students in the Norman area as he works with Journey church.
I couldn't help myself after I read a recent blog entry of his on raising kids. He and his wife Andrea, have just been blessed with a new life, adding to their already busy schedule. Here is what he wrote:
Person vs. Purpose
I got an encouraging email from a friend the other day that said she was praying for Andrea and me as we continue to learn about parenting. She said something very profound that has challenged me and consumed me since the moment I read it: "Don't raise a person; raise a purpose." I've thought a lot more about this and here are a few things I've thought of:
Raising a person leads to fear. Raising a purpose promotes boldness and courage.
Raising a person limits creativity. Raising a purpose promotes dreaming wildly.
Raising a person is ownership. Raising a purpose is knowing what belongs to the Lord.
Raising a person creates worry. Raising a purpose is to fully trust the Lord.
Raising a person is to define a future. Raising a purpose allows freedom and choice.
Raising a person is selfish. Raising a purpose is to promote God's desires.
Raising a person is defined. Raising a purpose keeps one open to the Holy Spirit.
Raising a person requires plans. Raising a purpose requires following God's direction.
Raising a person can be done alone. Raising a purpose requires the body of Christ.
Raising a person is stressful. Raising a purpose is to be filled with the joy of the Lord.
Raising a person is boring. Raising a purpose is full of anticipation!
Raising a person can be done with luck. Raising a purpose requires prayer.
Raising a person lacks purpose. Raising a purpose promises a fruitful life!
... So, Lord, help Andrea and I (and those around us who love Ellie) to raise more than just a person, but a daughter with a purpose to shake things up in this world! Amen.
And I say "amen" too!
1 comment:
Thanks for this post, Ward. As Jimmy and I are raising these three boys of ours, I needed this reminder so badly. Somedays I forget that they are God's creation, not just mini versions of me or who I want them to be. I do want them to have a purpose and to know what that purpose is. Zac is turning 12 next week...This post was so timely for me.
Dawn Funderburk
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