On Becoming a Man

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

John-Mark was thirteen and a half years old when Jared was born. Because of the big difference in their ages, they never connected as playmates, of course. As the years have gone by, however, I have seen many ways in which their relationship has been very important. But none more so than this week when, upon returning from a conference in the interior of Liberia, two pages of carefully written instructions were on the refrigerator. They were entitled, "On Becoming A Man."

To my great joy, while we were gone John-Mark and his wife Sara had written up this list and then sat down with Jared, who is closing in on 18 years of age, and talked with him about what qualities distinguish a man from a boy. And the list is just too good not to share.

1. Take responsibility. Admit when you're wrong. Do things even when they are hard or even if you don't feel like it.
2. Take initiative. Be observant of what needs to be done and do it right away.
3. Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, and shower regularly.
4. Lead with love. Make decisions carefully. Lead by example. Live a balanced life—spiritually, socially, and physically.
5. Be respectful. Choose your words carefully.
6. Have a strong work ethic. Do a job well and do it completely.
7. Be mature. Act like an adult.
8. Be helpful. Do what needs to be done.
9. Be thoughtful. Think of others more than yourself. Do things to show you are thinking of them and care for them.
10. Live with integrity. Be honest and live your convictions.

I thank God for the initiative John-Mark and Sara took to create and share this list with Jared. I pray all four of my sons, by God's grace and with His help, will embrace these qualities. The world definitely needs more men just like this! 

See Honoring a Worthy God.
See Shades of Brown.