A Patriarch

Recently someone challenged me to describe, "A Patriarch." Here is my current thinking on this subject. Needless to say, I broke it down in 5 major categories of LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, WORK, CHURCH. I would love your ideas around this too.

LIFE:

1. A man who has a deep, intimate personal relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deut. 6; John 17)

2. A man who delights in and meditates on God’s Word day and night. (Psalm 1)

3. A man who abides in/remains in Christ and bears much fruit. (John 15)

4. A man who walks in and lives by the Spirit and does not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5)

5. A man who understands that he is perpetually opposed daily by three enemies: the world, the sinful nature/flesh and devil. (1 John 2)

6. A man who is full of positive emotions like love, joy, peace, faith and hope. He resists negative emotions like anger, wrath, jealousy, and hate. (Galatians 5)

7. A man who cares for his body as a temple of the Holy Spirit through proper diet, exercise and rest. (1 Cor.6)

MARRIAGE:

8. A man, who loves, serves and leads his wife, as Christ loves the church. (Eph.5)

9. A man, who earns, gives, saves, invests and spends wealth wisely. (Proverbs)

FAMILY:

10. A man, who has taught, modeled and prayed for his family and enjoys great relationships with his children and grandchildren. (Deut.6)

11. A man who honors his father and mother and cares for them all the way to the end. (Eph.6)

12. A man who watches over his extended family; sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. (1 Timothy 3 & 5)

WORK:

13. A man who knows his work is a gift from God and that he serves the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3)

CHURCH:

14. A man who knows and participates with Christ as He builds His Church. (Eph.5)

15. A man who mentors and invests in the next generation behind him. (2 Tim.2)

16. A man who enjoys deep, open, honest and safe friendships. (Prov.17.17)

17. A man who has determined, by the grace of God, to finish his race well, strong and with joy. (John 17, 2 Tim.4)

I want to be this kind of man. You?