Recently, at his request, I sent this to a son of a friend. This young man had just turned 21. I wish I had this sort of teaching when I was that age! I hope it blesses you or someone you know!
——————
Read!
This may sound obvious, but it’s not. I don’t just mean read for your college classes or for enjoyment. I mean read to learn the rich truths of our faith in our LORD. Read church history. Read the church fathers. Read the reformers and the puritans. And of course, read and re-read the Scriptures.
Here at age 50, I’ve spent many years trying to go back and learn/re-learn things our spiritual forefathers already understood and practiced. What a waste of time!!!!!
At 21, such reading would have greatly matured me and given me a historical perspective with which to deal with modern craziness.
Read son.
Dream!
21 is a glorious age; you are an adult!
As the careful student of history understands, men of old time accomplished much at early ages; wrote books, fought wars, held high offices, etc.
What is it that God is asking you to do? YOU ARE NOT TOO YOUNG to dream about these things, and then begin building.
Start a business? Be a missionary? Write a book? Lead teams?
Learn!
Who do you need to know to accomplish your dreams? Who do you need to meet and be mentored by?
In what spheres of life? Business? Church? Sports? Arts?
Go meet them! Be bold! Lean in! Attack each day!
Now is the time to set a impactful life trajectory; don’t sit back. Prayerfully go forward!
Keep a journal; it will pay off long term. (I wish I did!)
Marry!
Ok, your mother may not like this one. :)
This is not said enough in our culture, but IT IS ok to marry young if God sends you the right woman. Scripture talks about the blessings of the wife of your YOUTH. (Prov 5:18)
Too many delay too long and it gets them into no end of trouble. If you can provide simple, safe living for her and your parents bless the union, marry young and be happy. I did!
Have babies. Be fruitful. There is no magic age in your 30’s!
Save!
NOW. Right NOW. Save son!
This of course means you must work hard and earn. But…SAVE.
Save a few thousand in cash, and then invest at least $100/mo. Don’t let anything stop you. Each and every month without fail. Start. START. STAAAARRRRTTTT! :)
When you are my age, you will be happy that you did!
Be strong young men; be brave! We need you!
