A Challenge For Dads

-bulletin note from Sunday, June 16, 2013

I had a chance to visit briefly with Pastor Troy Calvert and his wife Becky while we were up at the Spiritual Leadership Conference at Lancaster Baptist Church last week. It reminded of an article I saw about 21 guiding principles his dad challenged him with on his 21st birthday. That was over 24 years ago, and these principles are evident in the Calvert’s lives. Here they are, and may I challenge you dads and young men to live them!

1. Remember: no one owes you anything.
2. Always have the attitude of a servant—live for others.
3. Keep your heart fixed on Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:2)
4. The Bible is the Word of God.
5. Don’t quit.
6. Fight your flesh—flee youthful lusts.
7. Be patient with people—love the unlovely.
8. Look at problems as opportunities for God to show Himself strong.
9. Trust God (Prov. 3:5-6).
10. Live for God today, and there will be no regrets tomorrow—be faithful.
11. Wait for God’s choice for a wife.
12. Fear no man but God.
13. Never be afraid to admit you are wrong.
14. Never lie—especially to yourself
15. Never negotiate convictions (Prov. 1:10)
16. Be tolerant of the preferences of others.
17. Act like a leader—the way you sit, speak and look (personal habits).
18. Be quick to forgive.
19. Have an attitude of gratitude.
20. Have as your two highest goals: first, to glorify God; and second, world evangelism.
21. Make Christ your magnificent obsession.