Raising Godly Boys Minute

Are you hanging on …too tightly?

In 1956, Jim Elliot was murdered by Indians in the jungles of Ecuador. Newspaper reporters wondered why this missionary would risk his life for uncivilized Indians. Though Jim Elliot died at only 28 years old, he had a proper perspective of life. He said,
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Too often, we hold tightly to possessions and activities that hold no eternal value. Don’t make the mistake of clinging to things of insignificance. Teach your kids through your example to give your time and talents to worthwhile causes. That may seem hard at first, but as you make God a daily priority, your possessions and activities will come into proper focus.

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

Microwave much?

In today’s society, we expect immediate results. When we try something new, we want instant success. But life doesn’t always work that way.

Sometimes life is hard and tough. Sometimes failure crashes over us like an avalanche. During these times, it’s easy to grow discouraged. Maybe even angry.

But if you are wise, you’ll use times of fatigue, frustration, and failure to teach your son important lessons about grit and determination. And guess what? The more your son sees you rely on God as you work through trials and challenges, the more he’ll understand that God provides the strength to continue on.

It’s great when failures transform into Immediate successes. But it’s even better when your son grows spiritually by seeing your faith in action over time.

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

“Trust your instruments.” This mantra is repeated all through flight school. While flying, it’s easy to get disoriented visually, especially in thick fog. Pilots must learn to trust their gauges, not their vision.

Boys today are also “flying through fog,” so to speak. In the confusion of cultural relativism and gender fluidity, young men don’t know where they are or where they are going. So they often choose their own course, or refuse to move at all.

As parents, we must help our son gain a solid foundation and understanding of God’s Word. Involve your boy in organizations that are founded on Biblical truth. Help him find a positive, godly mentor. And encourage your boy to memorize Scripture– the only “instrument” that will never fail him.

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

In 2010, a man named Forrest Fen buried treasure in the Rocky Mountains, and published a book with clues to its whereabouts. Thousands went searching for it. Four men even died during the hunt. Finally the box was found in 2020.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that most of the people who embarked on that search were male.  From the time we are very young, boys love a good challenge. If young men are under-challenged, they will rebel, resist, or become apathetic. Others will turn to a virtual world they can conquer.

Today, be sure your son gets some real-life adventure. Not sure where to start? Tell him to put down his controller and get outside. Who knows– there may even be buried treasure in your backyard.

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

In 1899, an inventor put batteries in a tube and created a portable electric light. There was only one problem– the light would only stay on for about three seconds. The device did not sell well, and people jokingly called it a “FLASH light.”

Today, of course, the flashlight is a household staple, with some models staying lit for at least 50 hours.

As the parent of a teenage boy, it’s easy to feel like that inventor. Your son may only behave or listen for brief “flashes” at a time. But let me encourage you–continue to be as consistent as you can with your discipline. It may be hard to believe, but someday, your boy will be a light.

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