Faith | A Father’s Day letter to a grandson — and the next generation

A good life starts with the way you approach it. On this Father’s Day, I’d like to offer advice to my grandson — and to all who are the next generation:

Firstly, true meaning and purpose comes from believing in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. Live your life to honor and glorify him. Always know that I love you, but remember that God loves you far more than I can, and proved it by dying on the Cross for our sins.

Always show respect, be honest, and treat others better than yourself. Be kind and thoughtful.

Always try to do more than your share of the work. Buy as little as needed on credit. Drive carefully, and drink responsibly. Consider preventative safety in all areas of life. Never loan money to a friend or relative, but if you do, treat it as a gift.

Choose your words wisely.

If you are insulted, don’t let your ego get the best of you. When in doubt, walk away from a fight. However, if you must use violence, be trained to do so and only use it if it’s forced upon you or you’re protecting someone else.

Know that whenever you use violence, the other party may escalate the violence level.

Study hard to find a job and a career in a field that you enjoy. Be enthusiastic, and passionate about it. Failure can be a success, if you choose to learn from it. Be creative, and think out of the box at times. Never, ever give up.

You are what you think, and a reflection of who your friends are. Remember if you feed your mind good things, good things will come.

Good health care is necessary, but don’t forget to invest in yourself by eating healthy and exercising, too. If it’s ever needed, get the best surgeon or specialist possible.

Don’t be a sheep. Never allow yourself to be brainwashed and never be OK with blindly following the crowd.

A good leader has a servant’s heart, for only a good servant can be a good leader!

If someone tries to sell you something and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Knowledge is power, but you must use it well. Know the law, your rights, rules and regulations on what you do.

Be active in our political system, because if good people don’t, then evil people will. Learn from history — from everyone’s or you may be more likely to repeat the same mistakes.

Don’t rush into a relationship.

If you’re lonely or needy, just wait. Sex outside of marriage is always a selfish act that comes with negative consequences.

True love is kind, patient, and will stand the test of time. Your right woman will admire and respect you. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and marriage is a lifetime commitment for better or worse. If you have children, their welfare takes priority over yours.

When things get really tough, go back to your roots.

Remember that you’re a child of God because you have trusted in him as your Savior and Lord.

Hard times and suffering come in all forms, but they are a part of life and are used to glorify God. Stay strong in who you are and what you believe.

Always know that you have a future of happiness beyond your wildest dreams guaranteed in heaven for eternity. Jesus will always answer your prayers and only allow what is ultimately best for you.

Lee Walter is Sunday School superintendent at Columbia Bible Church in Kennewick and vice chairman of the Tri-Cities Child Evangelism Fellowship. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.