Be a man of courage. Fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7), so go your way boldly. The worst that can happen – even death – still ends in victory and glory for the Christian.

Be strong. Physically, yes, let’s take care of ourselves, and present our bodies as holy. But remember that the Lord is the strength of the strong (Ephesians 6:10), and that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Do everything in love. Here’s your motivation, because he that doesn’t love doesn’t know God (1 John 4:8), and the world shall know you by your love (John 13:35).

So when Jordan was born, and we had the dedication service at our church, that’s the verse we selected to have read. My sister-in-law’s sister-in-law (confusing enough?) had previously painted a scripture board for our niece’s nursery, and graciously consented to create one for us as well. And there it has hung in Jordan’s room for 31 months now. From time to time, I’d mention it to him, and read it aloud.

Two weeks ago, he started reciting it by memory. Well, the first two phrases, anyway. He asks me to read it all the time, and do the arm/hand motions he made up (an arm curl for “strong,” arms crossing heart for “love,” etc.). He has me calling it our “Man-Creed,” which I think is completely awesome. When I get home today, he’s going to smile at me and ask if we can say our Man-Creed, and my heart will swell with fatherly pride.

But here’s the secret, which Jordan doesn’t know…

These couple verses from the closing of Paul’s first letter to Corinth aren’t for him… they’re for me.