By Lance Cordle
• Live a godly life when you are young and when you are old, so there will be few regrets (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
• Don’t live in the past, but acknowledge it and learn from it as you face the future (Acts 26:9; Galatians 3:12-14).
• Emphasize the importance of knowledge and education in a school setting, but raise your children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Luke 2:52; Ephesians 6:4).
• Be obedient and submissive to government officials and laws, but understand that ultimately, when there is conflict between the government and God, “we must obey God rather than men” (Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29).
• Take care of, and nurture your body, but also know that godliness is most important and your attitudes and actions should reflect that understanding (1 Timothy 4:8; Philippians 4:8).
• Understand and emphasize the private aspect of your life (prayer, giving, etc.) and devotion, but also realize that God wants His children to come together regularly in the assembly (Matthew 6:14; Hebrews 10:24, 25).
• Provide for and nourish your spouse and children, but also know that we are to honor and care for our mothers and fathers throughout their lives (Ephesians 5:22-6:2; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8).
• Work hard and enjoy the fruit of your labor, but do not neglect your family and their emotional and spiritual needs—and don’t forget to “rest awhile” (Colossians 3:18; 21, 23; Mark 6:36).
• Have proper concern for earthly matters and possessions, but do not continually worry about them and do not let “stuff” rule your life (Matthew 6:34; 1 Timothy 6:17, 18).
• Honor and love your physical family, but realize your ultimate allegiance is to your heavenly Father and your brothers and sisters in Christ (John 19:26, 27; Matthew 12:46-50).
• Laugh when you can; cry when you need to (Proverbs 17:22; Ecclesiastes 3:4).
- Lance Cordle preaches for the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
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