On Life Counsel

 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word."

psalms 119


  • Spiritual Life:
    • Regularly attend church and participate in Bible study. Become members, and submit to your pastor and elders. Keep the sabbath (Lord's Day) holy.
    • Confess your sins quickly before the Lord, and believe in forgiveness of sins and the power of the gospel to change and restore the vilest of sinners.
    • Devote time to personal prayer and bible reading (and reflection). Do not read the Bible as a story about you , but look for God's character throughout it.
    • Seek to live a life that honors God in all aspects.
    • Actively share their faith with others.
    • Practice tithing. It is a good way to die to self and experience God's provision through obedience.
    • Avoid crass language and speaking badly of others. (Especially God's people) - there is something good you can learn from all. Practice seeking the good in God's people. They are sinners saved by grace. Be patient with them.
    • Think of Christ, think of the cross often. Remember the gospel and what the Lord saved you from. And whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord.... that should keep you from sinning. Can I do this or that as if the Lord is doing it?  Because as a Christian, you are.  
  • Work Ethic:
    • Value hard work and diligence in all pursuits.
    • Be responsible with finances and avoid unnecessary debt. Do not buy "toys", but save for your future and for family building activities, more than personal pleasure. Thinking of self vs thinking of others first.
    • Provide for your family and be a good steward of your resources.
  • Moral Character:
    • Uphold high standards of morality and integrity.
    • Avoid temptation and live a life of purity. Know your temptations and what triggers them... and work hard at not placing yourself in situations where you can fall. 
    • Be honest and trustworthy in all dealings. (work, friendships, finances, as a boss,...)
    • Do not lie - at any cost.
    • Kill sin or sin will be killing you. 
    • Do not act on every impulse you have. Everyone that loves the Lord,  battles with this, you are not the only one. 
  • Family Values:
    • Treat your wife and children with love, respect, and commitment.
    • Be a good role model for your family. 
    • Work to be a man of honor and integrity. 
    • Foster strong family bonds through regular communication and time together. Have regular dates and always speak highly of her to others and TO her. Praise her.
    • Think little of yourself-  remember how quickly you can fall. Do not trust on your own strength or abilities. Pray daily for God's strength , mercy and grace. 
  • Community Involvement:
    • Actively participate in your church events and bible studies.
    • Find things to do as a family more than individual activities / games/ hobbies.
    • Practice hospitality (it teaches to die to self) without grumbling or complaining but with all humility considering others as better than yourself.
  • Respectful Communication:
    • Listen attentively.
    • Remember you do not know it all. Be quick to learn. Slow to speak.
    • Seek godly friends and leave friends that are not good for your soul. Even if they are more "fun" - you need to learn to reassess what fun is.
    • Have regular meetings with older men that will challenge your character and help you to learn how to be a godly man.
    • Do not "save" people. Your job is to live a godly life and always live with humility knowing clearly of your need for daily grace. For your life and your family. You may know theology but a change of heart is the goal. To be more like Christ. To imitate Him. To reflect Him well and to adorn the gospel with our behavior. Do not shame the name of our Lord.
    • Never ever- text or have ANY type of relationship, via text , email, or any other means with a girl/woman of ANY age (family or stranger - other than your mom, of course, ha! - ask dad how strict he is on this rule in his own personal life). That should be an absolute NO in your life. Do not be in a car/place with any woman alone, you and her. Do not offer your coat, your help without your wife in front. Your chivalry, your gentleness is to your wife ... not to any other woman. Make that a solid rule to live by. 
 "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace". Numbers 6

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6

With all my love and prayers,
Mom.

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