In today’s society, it can be challenging to raise a strong man of God. Heck, it’s challenging to simply BE a strong man of God, am I right?!? Our culture is so littered with sex, money, power, and fame, that it’s hard to separate ourselves from that. We are called to be like Christ. It should be our daily goal to live as much like Him as we possibly can. It’s easier said than done though! The idea of living a healthy, pure, peaceful, calm, and joy-filled life is great; most of us probably would agree. The problem is, oftentimes the circumstances around us are far louder and more consuming than that idea floating in the back of our heads.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been driving down the road minding my own business when suddenly some i̶d̶i̶o̶t̶—-person in a bigger hurry than me—-decides that the 4-foot gap between me and the car in front of me needs to be filled immediately. Remaining calm is, of course, my first reaction…not anger…not questioning their ability to see my big truck that is now inches from flattening their bumper…no none of that, ever…just joy and peace…haha NOT!

Now, that type of circumstance is fairly common and often that anger/rage passes rather quickly, but what about that desire to get another promotion or make more money or be the next YouTube star? If we’re not careful, these desires can incrementally grow bigger and bigger in us as we are constantly surrounded by Hollywood’s ideas of what life should be to the point where our motives and desires have become completely unhealthy.

Don’t get me wrong, we men are workers. We are providers. God calls us to protect and provide for our families and in the world we live in today, it’s nearly impossible to provide without some sort of financial income. Money isn’t bad, but the LOVE of money is a root that leads to many bad things (1 Timothy 6:10).

Working hard and seeking increase is a great trait for us men. In fact, I believe one of the most important qualities any man can possess is a spirit of excellence through diligence and hard work. That said, it doesn’t take much for the enemy to creep into our thoughts and slowly chip away at our morals. What once was simply a source of income has become an obsession. What once was merely a way to provide for my family has become a conduit for countless hours away from them. Again, don’t misunderstand what I’m saying here, we need to work to live, but it’s when we begin to live to work that we need to stop and take a step back and ask ourselves if our priorities have shifted or need to be realigned.

It’s hard to be a good husband or dad if we’re never around. Our families need more than just money; they need us. Also, we have to remember where our true worth comes from. No matter how much notoriety and fame we acquire, and no matter how fulfilling and meaningful our jobs can be, we cannot allow our worth to be found in those things. Our true worth must and can only truly be found in Christ and Him alone.

So how can we be better men? How can we raise better men? What tips can we give to the boys and young men in our lives that we have influence over?

 

Boys,

here are some tips for how to become a strong man of God:

1. Chase after God and every once in awhile glance to your right or left. At some point, the girl of your dreams will be running alongside of you chasing after Him as well. Say hi, ask her out, maybe even marry her…but never stop chasing after God. Together.
2. Stand up to bullies. Protect those bullied.
3. Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win.
4. Eat lunch with the new kid.
5. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.
6. Always protect your siblings (and teammates).
7. Call and visit your parents often. They miss you.

 

Men,

here are some practical steps for how to be a strong man of God:

1. Read your Bible frequently.
2. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
3. You marry the girl, you marry her family.
4. Write down your dreams.
5. When shaking hands, grip firmly, look them in the eye, and always stand up.
6. Thank a veteran. Then make it up to him.
7. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
8. Ask for a late checkout.
9. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.
10. Give credit. Take the blame.
11. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.
12. Never turn down a breath mint.
13. Be confident and humble at the same time.

 

Dads,

here are some practical steps specifically for fathers:

1. Pray for and with your family.
2. Worship with your family.
3. Love your wife.
4. Spend time with your kids.
5. Eat together at the table.
6. Show affection.
7. Hold your children accountable.
8. Be consistent.
9. Be a role model.