Advice from a Christian grandpa
A short while ago I was encouraged to write some words of advice to my grandchildren. The words I wrote I believe is good advice for everyone.
One make sure you truly are in a right relationship with God. Make sure you are not just reading the Bible but studying it. So that you know what is right in Gods sight for you.
DON'T be a follower of some fancy pastor or evangelist. Follow the words of the apostle Paul when he said,
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2Timothy 2:15.
Men and women are imperfect and there are many pastors and evangelist out there who have strayed from the truth and are preaching simply to make themselves rich often at the expense of the poor. Stay away from them.
Secondly do what you can to help those in need. Follow the words written in the book of James that states,
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14-17.
Simply put let your faith spur you to good works.
Be what the Jews call a tzaddik. This is the simplest definition I can find,
The word "tzedakah" is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due....
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper...
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. Although those in need do not necessarily need to give this much. And one should never give so much as to make one in need of financial help.
Thirdly have adventures! Don’t just stay near where you were born. Travel (take your faith with you and if you get a chance to share it, do so. Share it however, never force it on anyone.).
Explore not just your own country but others. Learn as much as you can about other cultures and ways of life. Judge no one.
Live life to the fullest. Follow the advice of the apostle Paul who wrote,
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
And always follow the words of Jesus who said,
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12.
Please think about it.
