FAMILY MATTERS 

Part Thirteen: forward-focused August 30, 2026 

This summer, we have been talking about family matters because good families don’t just happen; they must be built by men, women, and children who are committed to truth and love.  Today, I’m going to conclude this series by showing you where your family needs to be focused. 

• In Proverbs 4:25-27, wise King Solomon tells us to fix our eyes on what lies before us. 

“Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.  Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:25–27, NLT)  

Solomon’s advice to fix your eyes on what lies before you is good advice because you will get hurt and hurt others if you live focused in the wrong direction.   

• People get hurt when they fix their eyes on their past failures and victories, or on their present challenges, or on the temptations Satan puts beside them.   

Three benefits of being a forward-focused family: 

Benefit #1: Forward-focused families are more hopeful. 

Families who focus on their past or present tend to get stuck and become discouraged.  All they see are problems.  They feel like they are in an endless cycle of struggle.  But forward-focused families believe things can get better.  They see each new day as a new opportunity.  Forward-focused families believe Psalm 118:24. 

“This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  (Psalm 118:24, NLT)  

Benefit #2: Forward-focused families are more productive. 

Past- or present-focused families live to complete tasks.  But forward-focused families go into each day trying to make a difference in the world.  They live to glorify God with their actions. 

“You are the salt of the earth.  But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?  Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13–16, NLT)  

Benefit #3: Forward-focused families are more mindful. 

Past- or present-focused families only see the physical world.  They never think about eternity or question where they will go after they die or future judgment.  Past- or present-focused families do not give any thought to Paul’s warning in 2 Corinthians Chapter Five. 

“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged.  We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.”  (2 Corinthians 5:10, NLT)  

Forward-focused families live each day thinking about Christ’s will and his work (Eph. 5:10, 15-17).  They love Jesus and look forward to his return (Heb. 9:27-28).  They live as citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:17-21).   

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.  For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.  They are headed for destruction.  Their god is their appetite; they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.  But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.  He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”  (Philippians 3:17–21, NLT)  

What does your family need to do to be forward-focused? 

1st - Your family must believe in the sovereignty of God. 

God is sovereign means that God is the supreme ruler of the universe and is in control over all creation.  Nothing happens outside of God’s knowledge or permission.  Families that believe God is sovereign live each day with confidence, peace, and hope, knowing that their Lord is in control.  

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”  (Romans 8:28, NLT)  

2nd - Your family must understand and believe that God loves them. 

God created us, loves us more than any of His other creations, and sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins so we can be forgiven, holy, and spend eternity with Him in Heaven.  Families that believe in God’s unconditional love feel valued, find purpose, and have joy, peace, and hope during difficult times.   

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39, NLT)  

3rd - Your family needs to live looking at Jesus. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”  (Hebrews 12:1–3, NLT)  

Your family must keep their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of their faith.  They must focus on how Jesus lived, what he taught, and how he died for their sins.  They must remember how Jesus navigated life's challenges and pray for God's provision and protection as he did.