Checklist for Sons

I am studying a challenging course on Biblical manhood called Plants Grown Up. One of my assignments was to write up a checklist of qualities which godly young men should strive to exhibit. Of course, my list is not exhaustive, for one could go on and on about the standards for godly manhood, but these are just a few qualities I came up with.

(1) Be quick to recognize and repent of sin (Psa. 32:5; 38:18; 69:5)

(2) Study the Scriptures (Psa. 1:2)

(3) Keep a diligent watch over your heart and mind (Psa. 19:14; Prov. 4:23; Rom. 12:2)

(4) Love your fellow men (especially your siblings) (1 Cor. 13:1-8, 13; Rom. 12:10)

(5) Die to Self (1 Cor. 10:24; Phil. 2:4)

(6) Flee temptation (Prov. 27:12; Matt. 26:41; James 4:7)

(7) Be forgiving, and do not repay evil with evil (Luke 11:4; Rom. 12:17-18, 19-21)

(8) Be courageous in the strength of the Lord (1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Tim 1:7; Heb. 13:6)

(9) Strive to deal peaceably with your fellow men (Psa. 133:1; Romans 12:180

(10) Have patience and self-control (Prov. 14:29; 16:32; James 1:19-20)

(11) Have faith in God, His Word, and His sovereignty (James 1:2-3; Rom. 8:28)

(12) Control your tongue (Prov. 12:22; 17:27; 21:23; Psa. 34:13; James 3:5-12)
- speaking only the truth
- speaking with praise and encouragment
- do not speak tearing down words
- do not slander
- speak with courtesy, modesty, and consideration

(13) Be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19:20)

(14) Do your best in everything, persevere in your tasks, and be diligent (Prov. 12:24; 21:5; 30:25; Ecc. 9:10)

(15) Be obedient and respectful to all in authority, as far as God's Word allows (Heb 13:17; Eph. 6:1-3; 1 Pet. 2:17)

(16) Justly judge (John 7:24)

(17) Protect, defend, and show honour to those weaker than yourself (Matt. 12:29; 1 Pet. 3:7; 5:8)

(18) Be a godly example (especially to your siblings) (1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2: 7-8)

(19) Fellowship with the brethren (Psa. 119:63; Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:24-25)

(20) Share the gospel, and be a godly witness for Christ (Matt. 10:32; 1 Pet. 3:15)

I know that I fail often in these areas, but nevertheless, we must persevere in our walk with Christ, and it helps to outline different qualities to strive for as a young man. And now for some practical points of how to use this list:- pray, and ask God to enable you to work towards these as goals
- give a copy of this list to a family member or friend, and ask them to keep you accountable to it
- study God's word diligently, and hide these scriptures in your heart
- examine yourself every day, and at the end of every week, to see if you have progressed in any of these areas.

Persevero,

Scribe