The role of fatherhood has never been harder. Dads who want to make a positive, lasting influence in their sons’ lives — who want to raise boys that grow into true men of integrity — have to fight the counterfeit sources of wisdom instilled in our culture. It takes courage and boldness to speak truth to your boys.
- DO COURAGEOUS THINGS
Throughout your life, you will face times when you are scared. But you will be far from alone. No one is immune to this experience. Both cowards and heroes face fear. Their responses to fear and uncertainty, however, define who they become. With courage, you do what’s right regardless of what’s popular. And as your courage expands, so too will your depth of character. Build your life upon a foundation of courage.
- WORK HARDER THAN ANYONE ELSE
God created children in His image, and God is a worker. He takes joy in creating. Work was part of His design to bring joy and fulfillment. God never intended for us to be bored and miserable from nine to five. He wants us to take pleasure in work. In fact, we should be ready and willing to work harder and better than the person next to us.
- HANG WITH THE WISE
For chameleons, how they act depends on who they are with at the moment. The same is true for you. If you hang out for a long time with someone who has a different value system, either you will change or he will change. The people you spend lots of time with will influence the choices you make and the actions you take today and tomorrow. This is my prayer for you, son: associate with the wise and become wise. Become an influence for godliness upon others.
- STAY AWAY FROM PORN
Porn isn’t just somebody else’s problem. It’s ours because it has saturated our culture. As men, we’re called to take a stand for our families and our nation, and to defend the dignity of women. Porn is a trap. It tempts you with promises of fulfillment and mires you in guilt, shame, and deception. Don’t sell yourself short and accept second best—or for yourself or the woman you may one day love.
- REFLECT TRUE AMERICAN CHARACTER
America’s distinctive character flows from the wisdom of the Founding Fathers and the blessings of the heavenly Father, who inspired them. American patriotism fades in and out of fashion, especially in certain intellectual circles. But I’ll say it straight: American is the best of the best. It’s a unique country with a distinct national character and an unmatched way of life. Those things are worth fighting for, son.
- ASSUME A GIFT IS HIDDEN
You can always find gifts in hard circumstances if you’re willing to look for them or create them. Disappointing circumstances often open doors to new opportunities. So as you go through life and doors close ahead of you, and you face setbacks and disappointments, look around for the hidden gifts. They’re waiting for you, if only you have the vision to see them.
- REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING COUNTS
Not just some things or many things or even most things count. Everything counts. Not only does this day matter, but every moment within this day is important and generates its own future consequences of some kind or another. What you think matters. What you say matters. Live fully, appreciate spontaneity, experience carefreeness … but make consistently smart choices.
- KNOW THAT MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT
Marriage is a covenant between you, your wife, and God. It’s more than a legal document or a good thing for society. Imagine a triangle with God at the apex and you and your wife across from each other at the bottom two angles. If you want to have a strong marriage, strengthen your relationship with God. The quality of your relationship with God will be transparently revealed by how you treat your wife.
- AFTER YOU SCREW UP, STEP UP
We all screw up; it is inevitable. Once you realize that it is a matter of “when” and not “if” you are going to make mistakes, then you will know that your response can make or break you. Accept the responsibility for what you thought, said, did, or neglected to do. What’s done is done. Keep the big picture in mind. It’s what you do next that really matters and can lead to maturity and wisdom.
- FOCUS ON STEWARDSHIP
A lot of people think stewardship is just about money. But what it really means is that we’ve been called to be managers of God’s household. What you accept that God, not you, really owns it all and is but temporarily sharing it with you, it heightens your sense of gratitude for what you do have and encourages you to be both purposeful and generous. So what has God given you, son, and what are you doing to invest those things?
By Tommy Newberry and Curt Beavers
