Have you ever wondered why we are so captivated by "Top Ten" lists? It seems like there is one of these lists for just about anything we can think of. These lists can be fun. They can be obnoxious. They can solict emotions of happiness, pride, dissappointment, and anger. They can provide valuable information useful in making decisions.They can provide guidance & direction.They can predict behaviors.They can predict outcomes.
Well, I have a Top Ten list of my own. This list consist of ten life principles I shared with my son in a letter I wrote him this past summer. I developed this list as I reflected back over the years and thought about the successes that I experienced; the mistakes I've made; the trials and difficulites I've faced; and the lessons I have learned learned. Here they are:
Principle No. 1 - Do not abandon your faith (John 16:33, Eph 3:17)
Principle No. 2 - Choose wisely (Proverbs 14:12 & 19:21)
Principle No. 3 - Keep good company (Proverbs 13:20 & 1 Cor 15:33)
Principle No. 4 - Work hard; give great effort (Col 3:23-24)
Principle No. 5 - Take the initiative (Proverbs 12:34)
Principle No. 6 - Accept responsibility (2 Cor 5:10)
Principle No. 7 - Keep your focus (Phil 3:14)
Principle No. 8 - Be a good steward (Luke 12:48 & Psalm 24:1-2)
Principle No. 9 - Seek Godly Council (Proverbs 19:20-21, 2 Tim 3:16, & Psalm 119:105)
Principle No. 10 - Have a joyful heart (Proverbs 17:22)
The challenge we face with a list like this is to implement them into our daily lives. It's not easy and we have other "Top Ten" list competing for our time and attention. I have found that when I do follow them, I am better able to navigate the twists and turns and the ups and downs that this journey called life has to offer. I trust they will do the same for you!
Blessings,
BDE.
