My dad turned sixty-five yesterday. My dad is my hero. He is also the wisest person I know. I have had access to that wisdom throughout my life. I know that many don’t get the benefit of having such a good example.

Which got me thinking.

A few years ago a guy named Robert Kiyosaki wrote a book called Rich Dad, Poor Dad. The book talks about how kids with wealthy parents learn things about money by watching their parents that poorer families don’t learn. You just don’t know what you don’t know. If you didn’t have a good example growing up, you have to seek out wisdom if you want to live a different life.

My dad is no millionaire, but when it comes to godly wisdom he’s loaded. Here’s some stuff I learned by watching him that I think many people never get a chance to learn from their parents:

1. God-honoring risk is good – My dad moved his young family to a third-world country ravaged by civil war to be missionaries. Lots of people who love Jesus would say that was irresponsible. In my mind it was the best decision he ever made for our family. Dad showed me what being brave looks like. Being courageous never gets easier, but I always think back to his example of courage.

2. Being different is good – Dad always used this line: Others can, we must not. He reminded us we were called to live at a whole other level. Sure I missed out on lots of pop culture. But quoting movies never has much power when you are facing the weightier things of life. Quoting scripture that you were forced to memorize does.

3. You will be held accountable before God for every decision you make – Sound like lots of pressure to live under?  It was. But from what I’ve seen, most people could use a little more pressure. Too many people are living their lives without thinking about the consequences. Every road has a destination. You need to think about where the road you are on is leading you.Too many Christians live for the most part just like the world when it comes to what they buy, watch, listen to and how they react to challenges. Dad taught us that how we spend our time, talent and treasure has eternal ramifications. Sure, it makes it difficult to live like a hippie – you have to be responsible. But we are only on this planet for a few years. We need to make the most of the time God has given us.

4. God is your provider and your generosity is evidence of your trust in that truth – It’s one thing to say it, it’s another live it. Unfortunately, too many people live trying to create a situation where they can remove all financial insecurity. You need to be a good steward, but how often do you really give to the point where you actually have to trust God. Giving until it hurts makes you vulnerable. It’s scary.

So there it is, a snippet of the many things I learned from my rich dad.

Happy Birthday Dad!

______

P.S. In just a few weeks I’ll be launching a podcast with my dad. The format is him and me talking about all the things he taught me through his wisdom and example. Lots of stories and practical advice about money, parenting, and relationships. I sent some samples of the podcast to a test group and the reviews have been stellar. I’ll keep you posted 🙂