God answered by saying, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”

God spoke to the generations within her, prophesying their future.  When it came time for their birth, the twins were in contention.  The first child to arrive was covered with red hair, so they named him Esau, which means Red.  Grasping the heel of Red was Jacob, which means to grasp the heel, or figuratively means to deceive.

Red was loved by his father.  He learned to be a skillful hunter, a man who liked to be out in the field.  He was loud, and rough-hewn.

Red wasn’t a thinker.  He didn’t have vision beyond his present appetite.  This exposed a weakness, his vulnerability to be deceived.

Rebekah loved Deceiver.  She schooled his quiet nature, kept him around the tents, dressed him in designer clothes, and taught him how to cook.  She also taught him the subtle techniques of deception.

Red came home from a failed day of hunting, when Deceiver welcomed him with a contract, “Will you trade a fresh bowl of stew for your birthright?”

Red’s stomach controlled his passion, so he made hasty decisions.  Haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).  Deceiver’s passion was his legacy; he would strive for significance, even if he achieved it through evil means.

This war between the natures of man continues to jostle back and forth.  You may have the two natures within you.  You may immediately identify with Red, or you may realize that you have a secret nature that relates to Deceiver.

This imbalance can stem from how we raise our children.  When a parent favors a child, they tend to put their imprint upon that child.  Isaac related to Esau, while Rebekah was devoted to Jacob.  Even though they were raised in the same household, they were parented separately, as if they were each living in a single-parent household.

We can see the devastating effects of single-parent households every day.  I can’t tell you how many horrific stories I’ve heard, where a fatherless boy is manipulated into deception by a predator because the boy needed a “daddy” in his life.  Boys crave the love of a father.

We need the balance of both natures. We need to be in the field, hunting, fishing, hiking, riding, exploring and adventuring, and we need to be thinking long term, so that our temporary appetites don’t forfeit our futures.

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This article is an excerpt from the book Fivestarman—The Five Passions of Authentic Manhood by Neil Kennedy.  To learn more about Fivestarman or to order your copy of Fivestarman—The Five Passions of Authentic Manhood please visit www.fivestarman.com.

You are free and welcome to re-publish, re-post, and in general share this article with any and all, so long as you keep all credits and links intact. For reprint rights, please contact us at info@fivestarman.com.

I can’t imagine watching a video of my 18-year-old daughter on TV, high as a kite, sucking on a bong, speaking gibberish, posing for semi-nude photos and laying all over a bunch of tweenage horndogs attempting to imitate an episode of Skins while knowing that there’s pretty much nothing I can do about her bad behavior but talk to Jesus and weep.

That sad and avoidable scenario I just painted has been Billy Ray Cyrus’ reality of late as he watches his famous daughter Miley follow Anna Nicole Smith’s path of doom (Billy Ray’s words, not mine).

In next month’s issue of GQ magazine, Cyrus the Senior states that he screwed up with Miley the Younger by allowing the dipsticks at Disney to hijack her soul and turn her into a narcissistic cash calf who takes her cues from immoral and greedy SOBs instead of Christ and common sense.

Not only did Billy lament the putrid path Miley’s “wholesome” Disney “handlers” took her down, but he was particularly POed at how they separated her from him and helped destroy his marriage just to make royalties off his little girl.

“But at least Billy Ray is rich,” some of you are undoubtedly thinking. Yeah, money’s a cure for all ills, eh dork? Well, BRC doesn’t think so and went on to say that if he had it to do all over again that he would not have let Miley get into the industry and would rather have had a sane, sober and safe offspring at home rather than millions of dollars, a Disney show and a daughter who imitates Snookie.

Now, I’m not here to beat up on Billy Ray, but Billy … what were you thinkin’, brother? You let hellish Hollywood run your life and your kid’s life. What did you think was going to happen? Those diphthongs in Tinsel Town don’t give two flips whether or not you and your kid live or die as long as their checks clear. Therefore, as you well know by now, they’ll push your kid and others to take kiddie porn pics, grind a pole at a Teen Choice award, shack up with a Justin Timberlake wannabe for PR and smoke salvia (yeah, right) if it’ll bank them some Benjamins.

I hope all fathers far and wide learn the serious moral in the Cyrus GQ story. Here’s what I gleaned from Billy Ray’s requiem:

1. Fame is BS. You can have it one year and be a drunken alley cat the next. So when it comes to your kids, focus on longevity, character, excellence, righteousness and true grit. True success is the business of greatness. And fame? Well, to be famous nowadays all a decent-looking girl has to do is get a boob job and sport the willingness to flash her va-jay-jay when she gets out of her car on Rodeo Drive. If she does that then BOOM! She’s a star!
2. If you, parent, put your little kid into the entertainment industry then you need to have your head examined-especially the inbreds who’re pushing their tots into kiddie beauty pageants. Lord, have mercy.
3. Trust no one who says they’re “here to help you and your kid’s career.” Being the dad of one famous daughter and one who’s well on her way, I can tell you that stringent oversight from me and those who loved my kids before they became sliced bread is the shrewd way to proceed with scum-sucking parasites seeking to feed off their success. Yes, feel free to fire, defriend and tell off any fool who gets in your way with what you know to be holy, just and true.
4. If anyone tries to put a wedge between you and your child, kick his or her a**.
5. Go online and show your kids what STDs look like when they’ve taken root in a promiscuous body. That’s an eye opener. FYI regarding STDs, kiddies: They’re not the walk in the park that the herpes commercials make them out to be, and there is, according to the Centers for Disease Control, a 25% chance that you’ll get one before you turn 20 and keep it until you take the big dirt nap. It’s so much fun!
6. Have your kids Google the economic stats of single moms.
7. Also, have your kids study the life lessons of those cute little stars who were destroyed through their inability to navigate through the minefield of pop culture crassness. That’s a sober and brutal cup of Joe.

I guarantee if Billy Ray wasn’t a man of prayer before, he sure as heck is one now because his hands are tied legally, and there ain’t a whole lot he can do to personally intervene. A heavenly intervention is probably the only way Hannah Montana will wake the hell up and follow heaven’s path versus that of her Beavis and Butthead buddies.

Parents, especially you fathers of girls, if you want to avoid the achy breaky heart Billy Ray is now experiencing then purchase my latest book, available now as a pre-sale titled, Raising Righteous & Rowdy Girls.

Pat Caddell, Fox News Contributor, says of my book, “Through every raucous and no-holds-barred page, Doug, the incomparable Dad Drill Sergeant, puts mere men through the paces to join the ranks of the few, the proud, and the successful fathers of super daughters. The proof of Doug Giles’ gold-plated credentials are Hannah and Regis Giles-two of the most fantastic, great hearted and accomplished young ladies I have ever known. This is THE BOOK that I will be giving the father of my two precious five- and three-year-old granddaughters. Tiger Mom, meet Lion Dad!”

About The Author

Doug Giles is the creator and host of ClashRadio.com (IRN/USA Radio Network), a winner of seven Silver Microphone Awards and two Communicator Awards.

In addition, Doug is a popular columnist, minister, artist, campus lecturer and author. His column is read worldwide each week on the nation’s largest conservative news portal,TownHall.com.

The marketing team of Flipped has asked us to invite you to their live video chat with director Rob Reiner and actress Madeline Carroll will be featured on a live video chat this Thursday, August 26 at 7pm ET on Facebook. RSVP on Facebook: bitly.com/flippedlivechat

You may have had this happen to you as a boy. Your curiosity and sense of adventure gets you into a mess. Then you get into terrible trouble because you didn’t know that it was wrong, or dumb, or foolish.

A few years ago, I became frustrated at one of my children because they did something so obviously foolish that I couldn’t believe they did it. I wanted to explode in my anger, but the Spirit began to instruct me saying, “Neil, did you ever instruct your child about this? When did you teach them a principle concerning this? Never discipline whom you’ve not discipled.”

I learned that I had a responsibility to teach my children. This is not something that I can pawn off to others and expect the results that I want. I can’t shrug off this duty. Yes, I can employ a school and entrust them to be raised in a church but it is my calling to train them in the way they are to go.

Did you know that Abraham was chosen to be in covenant with God because of his teaching ability? That’s right, God chose him because, “he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised to do.”

God actually assigned His covenant blessing to Abraham because he could be trusted to teach.

Children are insatiable learners. If we as parents do not teach them they will get their wisdom from someone else. Unfortunately, they often will go to the unknowing for knowledge. The knowledge that children learn from the world or from their friends is often the knowledge of good and evil. It can be sinful and wicked. You don’t want to relegate your responsibility to others.

Notice, that Abraham’s teaching would ensure God’s promises. God said, “I will bring about for Abraham what I have promised to do.”

If you want to ensure that your child does not depart from the way of God, you must teach them. Here is the simple, three-step strategy I use to teach:

Precept

A precept is an established authority. It is immovable, eternal, foundational truth. When you read the Word of God, look for precepts. When you start with a precept, your teaching is based upon foundational truth and authority. It isn’t because you say so but because it is established. An example of a precept is, “Do not muzzle the ox while he is treading out the grain.” This is an agrarian and ethical treatment rule to allow an ox to graze while he is working.

Principle

A principle is the universal truth and application of a precept. This principle should direct my behavior, belief system, and conduct. Our example of, “do not muzzle the ox while he is treading out the grain” helps us understand that we should employ ethical treatment of an animal that is under our care or in labor of use.

Practice

Practice is taking the precept, converting it to a principle, and applying it to my life. I may not have an ox, so is this precept irrelevant to me? It would seem not, but in fact, the Apostle Paul used this example to teach that ministers of the gospel should receive their financial salaries from ministering the gospel.

We are created with a deep desire to learn and receive knowledge. We should always be looking to expand our mind, to learn, to think. As men, we don’t want to participate in useless exercises based on theory. We want to know what works. Call it street smarts or common sense, but men want practical, real-life applications. Your children are no different. They need real-world knowledge, too. Your children need to know how to make and invest money. They need to know what to do if the car breaks down or they have an accident.

Practically speaking, I teach my children as we go in life—when we’re driving, playing golf, eating, etc. Don’t try to over-structure your teaching time with them. Do it as you do life together.

Dear Dave,

We have a special needs child, who will likely be under our care for the rest of her life. The doctors say there’s a good chance she’ll live to be about 40. We just finished Baby Step 3 of your plan, and have three to six months of expenses in our emergency fund. How does the situation with our little girl affect our retirement planning and college funding?

Jonathan

Dear Jonathan,

It really doesn’t affect anything. I know that sounds a little weird, but the only financial difference is that you’ll be responsible for your daughter for the foreseeable future—not just until she’s 18.

So, what’s the next step? If you don’t have it already, both you and your wife should buy term life insurance. That way, your little girl will be taken care of in the event of your deaths. Also, make sure the money from this is set up in your will to go into a special needs trust that would be managed for her care.

In the meantime, keep following the plan. Baby Step 4 is putting 15% of your income into pre-tax retirement plans, like Roth IRAs and mutual funds. Baby Step 5 is college funding, followed by paying off your home early. Then, of course, the last Baby Step is building wealth and giving.

Basically, you’re looking at filling a need in the event of your deaths, and this will be covered either by life insurance or investments. If you reach a point where your investments are substantial, and money from those things can adequately cover her needs or the needs of your family, then you can drop the insurance policy. That’s one of the cool things about building wealth. It negates the need for life insurance, because you’re self-insured!

God bless you guys, Jonathan.

— Dave

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Currency Investing is Ludicrous!

Dear Dave,

What do you think about investing in the Iraqi dinar? According to the information, you get $250,000 in dinar for just $250. Is this a good idea?

Tiffany

Dear Tiffany,

This is the dumbest thing to come along in years. It’s borderline on a scam! A lot of military folks have fallen for this, and there are ads all over the internet for the stuff.

Buying and selling currency of any kind, whether it’s the yen, the pound, or the Euro, is ludicrous. Playing around with currencies is a great way to lose your entire investment in the blink of an eye. Add to that the fact that Iraq is an extremely unstable, war-torn country, and it makes it one of the dumbest things you could ever do with your hard-earned money.

Don’t do it, Tiffany. You might as well just throw your money out the window while you’re driving down the road. At least then you’ll get a laugh watching everyone go wild trying to pick it all up!

— Dave

* For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com.

What is the enchantment of the blockbuster hit “New Moon” and the upcoming “Eclipse” movies?   It is a mixture of the age old story line of young romance intertwined with a combination of the mystical seduction of vampires.

For some reason, this movie has not only attracted teenage girls but also has seduced their moms.  One of the young stars of the show revealed the bizarre incident when a mother who stood in line with her teenage daughter to meet him asked if she could take off her panties for him to autograph.

What you should know as a father:

Vampires are mythological beings who feed off of the blood of the living.

This is a direct assault on the teachings of God.  The Bible says, “Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. ” ‘Do not practice divination or sorcery.” God established this on the principle that “life is in the blood.”  It is a practice of sorcery (evokers of the dead).

Vampires are representatives of fallen spirits who look upon women with lust.

The Apostle Paul instructed that women should have a covering of authority for the sake of the angels (1 Corinthians 11:10).  He was referring to the evil practice of angels who lust for women.  As a father, you are the authority over your daughter in the spirit realm.

Vampires are androgynous in appearance, gaunt and pale.

Their thin appearance is very different from their original descriptions as plump, bloated, monsters who gorged on the flesh and blood of the living.   The new image makes them more attractive and seductive to some women.

Vampires were originally synonymous with Satan.

The attraction to the Evil Being has always been on the base ideas of sexual relations.  There was a time that Genesis describes as when the ”sons of God had relations with the daughters of men.“ This is often considered as a time with the fallen angels intermingled with women.

For those who think that this story line is cute, consider this: A modern day vampire would be Jeffrey Dahmer, a serial killer who killed 17 people. His murders were particularly gruesome, involving rape, torture, dismemberment,necrophilia and cannibalism. The details of his story are gruesome and not worth exploring. If you think that its no big deal – think about your daughter being seduced by this vile man.

The bottom line is that creating a fantasy of the mythological vampire in the minds of young women (or for that matter adult women) is dangerous and offensive to what is right and moral.

When a Father speaks, his children are profoundly impacted by his words. We need to be extremely careful what and how we speak to our children.

Our words can have a powerful impact on a child in the positive, they can have tremendous negative impact as well.

I travel each week speaking in churches, teaching seminars, and conducting FivestarMan Encounters. I can’t estimate how many times I have prayed for grown men and women who are still controlled by the loose words that a person of authority spoke over them when they were a child.

Not long ago, while ministering in a church, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to pray for a couple. I asked them to come forward and asked permission to pray for them. They agreed.

As I laid my hands upon their foreheads while praying, my mind began to see scenes of the woman’s childhood. She was thirteen years old, she was joyfully dancing around in her bedroom, laughing and playing, when her father came by the room and began to speak harsh and angry words over her. He bruised her spirit. It was that moment — that very instance — that caused her to withdraw into a cocoon spiritually and emotionally. She began to accept that a father was mean, controlling, harsh, and angry.

When I described the scene that played out in my mind, the woman uncontrollably burst into tears. Sobbing and wrenching before me, she allowed the pent-up emotion of decades to come forth.

I then turned to her husband, and spoke a word over him. “Without knowing that this occurred in her young life, you have also used harsh words and outbursts of rage to control your wife.” He confessed to me that he didn’t know why he had done this and that it was out of his normal character to do so, but he admitted that he did speak to his wife this way to get what he wanted.

That couple was delivered from that horrific pattern in their marriage that day. The husband pledged to never again use harsh, angry words to control his wife. She released her father in forgiveness, and she committed not to allow that moment from so many years ago to control her life from that day on.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” -Ephesians 4:29

Steps to Communicating Effectively:

Don’t Use Inappropriate Language – Unwholesome talk means words that are demeaning, harsh, hurtful, or sarcastic. Words have the ability to root within a person – to putrefy within a person’s soul.

Speak Kind and Comforting Words – Carefully select your words. Words should be personally helpful for the listener.

Speak Words That Build Up – Words have the ability to be constructive or destructive to a person.

So, if you have spoken unwholesome words, repent for speaking them, revoke the effect of them, and replace them with positive affirmations that replace their ill effect.

Don’t you wish there was a great big “Undo” button in life; where you could completely erase your parenting mistakes? I bet some parents would give anything for such a button.

Unfortunately, there is no such “undo” button. But perhaps the best way to avoid the need for one is to avoid the kind of mistakes parents sometimes make. To learn what those could be, you might sit down with a few veteran parents to ask them what they would have done differently if they could turn back time; in other words, what they would have “undone” if they could have. And that’s exactly what I did this week, through our Facebook page. Hindsight is always 20-20, and if the regrets expressed by these parenting veterans are taken to heart by current and upcoming parents, it may help the “rookies” avoid some of the same heartaches.

If parents could do it over again…

They’d be more consistent, worry less, seek to spend more time together, and interact more lovingly.

I have to admit, I was surprised by the direction of the answers. I was half expecting people to feed back to me some of my recent parenting tips, like: “I should have gotten my teenager a part-time job and a checkbook to manage earlier,” or, “I shouldn’t have allowed her to date so young.” But those who responded seemed to be thinking a few levels deeper, which tells me that they put some heavy thought into their brief responses. I’ve grouped them into three main areas of concern: “worrying less, “being more consistent,” and “spending more time together.” These definitely came to the forefront.

Here are some of their “If I could do it over again, here’s what I would change” responses…

More Consistency:

• I’d be consistent and make my “no’s” count.
• I’d learn how to be consistent!
• I’d be more consistent.
• I’d have been more consistent and disciplined about chores and physical activity.
• I would have been more CONSISTENT. Not being consistent causes problems every time.
• I’d have created home rules and backed them up. We did too much discipline “on the fly” which made us very inconsistent.
• I’d be more consistent.
• I would make sure my husband and I were on the same page in parenting BEFORE we had problems that needed addressed!! That is most important — to be consistent — and not being so has caused many heartaches.

Worry Less:

• I’d not worry so much about what I may be doing wrong. I have found that you can do everything “right” and still make mistakes. I’d just relax and enjoy parenting and enjoy my kids — they are fantastic!
• I would not have been so protective of my oldest son during high school. He never gave me reason to not let go. I was just so worried about him getting hurt that I said “no” to way too much. Now he’s in college and we rarely see him because he is finally “free.”
• I would not worry so much.
• I’d not worry about the little stuff!
• I would tell myself not to worry so much.
• I’d worry less about being normal…what’s normal anyways !?!?!
• I’d worry less… someone once told me that if I was worrying more about their schooling, future, etc., than they were, I was worrying too much. Come to find out they were right!
• I’d relax. Surrender. Trust. Enjoy…

Spend More Time Together:

• We’d have more family time!
• I have a 17-year-old daughter and I did not spend enough one on one time talking or spending time together. There is a distance between us that I hope not to make the same mistake with my younger daughters.
• We would have more family time and one-on-one.
• I would’ve turned off the TV more and pursued mutual interests with my kids.
• I’d spend more time with the kids, work away from home less often.
• I’d play with my child more when she was little, like play dolls, pretend, tag, hide and seek and catch more fireflies.
• I would have gotten used to less television and electronics (and other distractions) and more games together inside and outside.
• We’d have more dinners together. No matter if we talk…we are together.
• I’d not work as much and be home with family more.

The thing that strikes me about all three of these categories is that they have more to do with the parents’ attitudes and attempts at relationship than the actions of their kids. In fact, they have little to do with the teenager and mostly to do with how the parent responded or didn’t respond. But as you read between the lines, the remorse felt by these parents is likely brought on by the resulting damage to the relationship they have with their children, which perhaps continues to be strained today.

The other main category of response has to do with parent-child interaction; and again, it has more to do with the parent’s interaction than the teenager’s. Here is what they said…

Interact More Lovingly and Respectfully:

• I’d listen more and lecture less. I’d not force everything down their throat and expect them to obey as it does not work that way anymore…they will REBEL and that causes all the heartaches!
• I’d apologize more.
• I’d not yell as much.
• I would have stopped yelling and given them more respect.
• I wouldn’t argue with my husband in front of my children. I would allow my kids express themselves more, and not suppress their feelings.
• I’d listen more, lecture less and ask their opinion on issues more. Stay engaged when the going was tough.
• I wouldn’t argue with them, even though they seem to thrive on arguing.
• I’d teach the entire family how to have loving healthy communication.
• I’d love unconditionally.
• I’d give more hugs and kisses (even when they become a teen). Sometimes we parents feel that “uncomfortable” feeling because they are getting older…that is when they need it the most.

These parents came to the conclusion that their own actions may have contributed to how they interact with their adult children today, or how their children continue to cope with life today. If they had access to an “Undo Life” button, they’d surely make some changes. So, take care in your own parenting. The teen years — though they may seem arduous and never-ending with some kids — are actually short-lived. Then you have the rest of your lives together. The wise advice from these parents? Be consistent…spend time with them…interact more lovingly…and worry less.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder and director of Heartlight, a residential program for struggling adolescents located in East Texas. Join the discussion on on Mark’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/parentingteens

This video and others are available for sale at www.floodgateproductions.com.

As parents, we can help our kids become champions as we commit to laying a solid emotional and spiritual foundation for them, and as we make the effort to believe in their potential to become all who God has designed them to become. Here are Pat’s “10 Building Blocks for Helping Your Kids Become Champions in Life.”

1. Encourage them to think the right kinds of thoughts.

Every action – whether good or bad – begins as a simple thought.  Therefore, it’s vitally important that we teach our kids to exercise control over their thought life.  Kids who become champions learn to think positive thoughts, correct thoughts, big thoughts, pure thoughts and unique thoughts.  Train your kids to think on only things that are good and beneficial.  See Philippians 4:8.

2. Encourage them to set goals.

We need to help our kids set realistic, specific and attainable short-term and long-term goals. In order to be a champion in any area of life, kids must be taught that goal-setting is the way to turn their dreams into reality.

3. Encourage them to choose the right kinds of friends.

To a great degree, the kinds of friends your kids choose will determine how they think, speak and act.  The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:33 that “bad company corrupts good character,” and it’s our job as parents to help steer our kids in the right direction when it comes to the friends they choose to associate with.  “Coach” your kids by offering occasional words of advice, words of wisdom and words of encouragement, and you’ll help them choose the right kinds of friends.

4. Encourage them to never give up.

Some of the most successful businessmen and women, athletes, and leaders today are not necessarily the most talented or most gifted.  Take David Eckstein of the St. Louis Cardinals for example.  David is 5’7’’ and weighs 165 lbs., which is considered too small by today’s standards in any professional sport.  All his life, David was told he would never make it in baseball, but he never gave up.  His persistence in the face of overwhelming odds paid off, and today he is seen as one of the premiere shortstops in the major leagues; he was an integral part of the 2002 Anaheim Angels World Series championship team.  When we help our kids become the kind of people who never give up, not only will they be amazed at what they can accomplish, they will become a conduit through which God can work in mighty ways!

5.  Encourage them to live by faith.

In John 10:10, it’s recorded that Jesus said that He came that we “may have life, and have it to the full.”  Without Him, it’s impossible to be a true champion in life, and this message must be communicated to our kids.  They need to know – and see by our example – that living by faith is an exciting adventure, and that by giving their lives to Christ, then,  and only then, will they be able to live life to the fullest.

6.  Encourage them to say the right kinds of words.

More than any other way, people judge us by the words we speak.  Kids need to understand that, whether they like it or not, the person who speaks clearly, articulately and confidently is much more likely to become a champion in life.  As parents, we can help them speak this way by encouraging them to speak words that are positive, speak the truth in love, listen before they speak and steer clear of using profanity.

7. Encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.

True champions understand that they are responsible for their actions.  Instead of whining and complaining about their difficulties, they strive to do their best with the hands they’ve been dealt. We need to help our kids take responsibility for their actions and decisions, which means we will need to let them experience and learn from failure.

8. Encourage them to turn their failures into strengths.

When troubles come, we need to help our kids learn to make the most of them.  We need to teach our kids how to give their failures to God and allow Him to use them for His glory and for their benefit. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10 that he delighted “in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” When our kids are at their weakest is when God has the chance to be His strongest in their lives.

9. Encourage them to go the extra mile.

Kids need to understand that hard work will help them overcome many of life’s obstacles.  They can have unbelievable intelligence, great connections, and have opportunities fall out of the sky, but in the end, hard work is the true enduring characteristic of a champion. We read in 1 Corinthians 10:3, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  The glory of God is what motivates true champions to go the extra mile in all areas of their lives.

10. Encourage them to remember that character counts.

Kids need to understand that if they want to be champions in life, then they must be people of honesty and integrity.  It’s almost impossible to overestimate the importance of character. An absence of character is responsible for much of the trouble the human race has experienced.  We must teach our kids that character – what they do when they know they can get away with anything – is vital not only to their success in life, but also to being useful to the Lord.

Adapted from Who Wants to Be a Champion?: 10 Building Blocks to Help You Become Everything You Can Be (2005) by Pat Williams, Howard Publishing.

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By Jim Burns, Ph.D
In response to the overwhelming needs of parents and families, Jim Burns founded HomeWord in 1985. HomeWord is a Christian organization designed to provide assistance to adults worldwide as they help young people make wise decisions and lead positive, vibrant, Christian lifestyles.

Printed by permission of HomeWord.  For additional information on HomeWord, visit www.homeword.com or call 800-397-9725.