“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV
Happy “Golden”* 16th birthday, son! The first decade-and-a-half of your life was an adventure of cross-country travel, welcoming new siblings, & tremendous personal growth. Standing now on the threshold of manhood, be resolute in pursuit of leadership responsibility as characterized by manliness & Godliness. Here is some advice, from my heart to yours.
1. Reject Passivity – Real men initiate decisive action. Don’t be a milquetoast, limp-wristed, effeminate, momma’s boy who is a lazy sluggard addicted to movies, porn, & video games. Step up like a man.
2. Accept Responsibility – As an emerging man, you will be in the driver seat & need no permission to lead. Lead well by providing & protecting those in your care. Remember! Boys make excuses but men take responsibility.
3. Act Courageously – Anyone can complain but it takes courage to overcome fear & make a difference. See a need? Be part of the solution & do something.
4. Live for a Greater Cause – What are you living for that is worth dying for? The smallest package ever seen is a guy wrapped up in himself. Your created purpose is to glorify GOD through faithful investment of your time, talent, & treasure in eternity.
5. Fervent in Prayer – Never underestimate the power of prayer for it moves the Hand that moves the world. Trust in GOD’s power to do far beyond all you ask in prayer for those in need.
6. Devoted to the Bible – God’s Word is how we know Him & is the authority for sound doctrine & Godly living. Cultivate ownership of the faith & defend it in an ungodly culture that is hostile to the absolute truth of Biblical Christianity.
7. Engage Family – Obeying & honoring your parents (& blessing your siblings) is training for what kind of man, husband, & father you will be. Love your future wife now by praying for her & her family. Once you are married, trust God to bless you with children. Intentionally raise them to serve Christ.
8. Faithful in Church – Godly men worship & serve as faithful churchmen. God made His Church the pillar & foundation of truth & central in life. Prioritize church over community, political, athletic, academic, hobby, & Christian organizations.
9. Invest in People – Relationships are precious. Be thankful for those who have impacted your life. Especially pour into those who have a heart for GOD.
10. Passion for GOD’s Glory – The glory of Almighty GOD is magnified through the salvation of rebel sinners who are guilt of treason and sedition against His sovereign majesty. He still rescues lost souls from a burning hell & saves them unto heaven’s splendor by His grace through faith alone in the Person and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Godly men have a zeal for evangelism & cross-cultural missions among all nations worldwide to the praise of God’s glory in Christ Jesus.
My son, may GOD’s Spirit forge you into a Christ-built warrior poet of a man of God. Be not only a manly dude but also a Godly man. Live in total dependency on His grace for self-effort is futile. Every day, I thank GOD for the blessing that you are. I love you with all my heart!
Recommended Resources:
- “Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father’s Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood” by Robert Lewis (Some of the material in this article is derived from this book).
- “King Me: What Every Son Wants and Needs From His Father” by Steve Farrar
- “God’s Gift to Women: Discovering the Lost Greatness of Masculinity” by Eric Ludy
- “The Briefing: Daily News & Analysis of Events Through a Christian Worldview” at AlbertMohler.com
- “The Historical Adventures of G.A. Henty” by George Alfred Henty
- “New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional” by Paul David Tripp
*The day when your age matches the day you were born. In his case, he turned 16 on the 16th of the month.
