The recent departure of my first-born going off to college was an emotional time. It was a time to stop and reflect on what I had done right in his life and where I had missed the boat. Unfortunately, missed opportunities are hard to make up. Fortunately, I have 5 more kids to try to “get it right” with. All this reflection led to some generalizations around what wisdom was it that I needed to impart before it is too late – to my children, as well as to others around me – what were the key things that God has been teaching me. Many things came to mind, but in the end I boiled it down to my “top 10”. The top 10 key lessons that God had taught me through the years – based on my few successes and my many failures. I think for every man there is likely some overlap and undoubtedly some uniqueness in this list. Whatever the case, here’s mine…….
1. Practice unconditional love in all your most important relationships, especially your marriage.
2. Do what you love to do and do your best.
3. Invest your life in others, not in things or accomplishments.
4. God & His Word are the only things to base your life on.
5. Flee lust and avoid all sexual temptations.
6. Delay gratification, or better said, do not seek instant gratification. Learn to have patience.
7. Honesty is always the best policy.
8. Practice brotherhood and accountability.
9. There is no greater responsibility than parenting. We are stewards of His children.
10. Be Missional. We are on a mission for God. Stay personally externally focused.
That’s my list – what’s yours? I believe you need to know what it is, because in it lay the reasons you were put here on this earth. There are no mistakes in God’s economy. I believe He uses every lesson taught to every one of us to grow us all as a body of believers and to build up His kingdom.
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