Raising Godly Boys Minute

Is your son destined for greatness?

Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini once said, “If you want to know the extent of a man’s ability, give him something difficult to do.”

Today’s society wants to give everyone a prize for showing up, and award everyone an ‘A’ for turning in the assignment.  The temptation to accept the easy ‘A’ and the prize with no victory creates a world with no champions.

Break the mold!  Challenge your son!  …the cold, early-morning air broken by the crunch of gravel under his hiking boots as he ascends a peak, the crash of helmets as he charges for a tackle, or the roar of a river as he shoots a rapid….

Is your son destined for greatness?  Help him find it!

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If your son flops down on the couch and says, “I’m bored” — take notice.

God made boys mentally, emotionally, and physically different from girls. Because of that, they need to engage in activities that they are passionate about . . . activities that involve both mind and body.

So, what’s your son passionate about?

Dad, help him discover his strengths and talents. This might involve trying a little bit of a whole bunch of activities. Take him rock climbing. Sign him up for karate classes. Give photography a chance.

Eventually, your son will develop a passion for a certain activity. When this happens, encourage him to develop those skills. The more he does so, the fewer times you’ll hear, “I’m bored” escape his lips.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you afraid your son will lose his way?  This world is full of alluring distractions that can lead our children down dark paths, seeking to devour them.

In the midst of so many lies, how can they know the truth?

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote in Sherlock Holmes, “...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

Against the wisdom of this world, the improbably simple truth of the gospel stands alone.  Teach your son to never touch this world’s glittering array of lies by showing him how to cling fast to the word of God.  Give him godly mentors to help train him, and surround him with like-minded young men following the greatest truth: Jesus Christ.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A young boy was playing with his pet goldfish, when he accidentally killed it.

Scared he would get in trouble, the boy, named David, lied about what happened to his fish.

Immediately, he felt guilty. He confessed the lie to his mom as tears streamed down his face. His mom said, “David, Jesus loves you no matter what you have done.”

That little boy was David Frey, who grew up to be the lead singer of the Christian band Sidewalk Prophets. He wrote a song about that experience, called “You Love Me Anyway.”

As parents of sons, let’s follow the example of David’s mom. Our son is going to make mistakes. When he does, let’s remind him first and foremost that there’s nothing he can do to cancel out Jesus’ all-consuming, unconditional love.

To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you listen to your parents, or did you listen to your friends?

Friendships can define a boy’s life.  More than that, friendships in a group can provide identity.  There is a reason sports teammates will fight viciously for one another on the field.  It’s also why gangs are so prevalent– it gives boys a sense of belonging, and can drive them to do things they know are wrong.

How can you help your son choose?  It doesn’t have to be left to chance.

You can give him godly friends who will inspire him as they help each other along the way.  And who knows?  Perhaps your son is the one the others will listen to and learn from.

For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.