Finishing Well – December 2007 Monthly Message from the ALERT Cadet Major

Paul, during the reciting of his testimony to the Jews in Acts 13, had these words to say about King David in verse 36, "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep…”. I’ve been meditating on this verse and would like to share with you some insights as they relate to raising our children and our sons in particular.

First, David had to serve the purpose of God with his life. God had placed David on this earth with a particular set of gifts, talents, and abilities. David was to use these gifts to their fullest to accomplish the purpose of God. During David’s time that purpose was to have a nation wholly set apart to God, as an example to the world. God would then use this example to bring men to faith and an understanding of Himself. During our current time, Matthew 28:19-20, the so-called “Great Commission,” gives us the purpose of God. I am to train my children to be proclaimers of the gospel, disciplers of men, and proper providers, or keepers at home, for their family. What I do at home in my training must be in concert with God’s purpose for them and the specifics of how they will live that out.

Next, David served the purpose of God in his own generation, or during the time appointed for him to live. Psalm 90:10 tells us that we will each have 70 years to live, or if we are strong, 80 years. This means that time is a valuable asset, more so than money, and I must teach my children that time is not be squandered or wasted, but rather invested. I cringe each time I hear that my children, or others, are just “hanging out” somewhere. Rather, I desire to see them invest their time in developing skills, talents, or abilities that will help them to accomplish God’s purpose in their lives. Or, I desire to see them investing time in a relationship with another person so that both can accomplish the purpose of God in their lives. How do I teach this? The only true way is by modeling it before them in my own life. I also hold them accountable for the use of their time in much the same way as they are accountable for their money. It has been said that if you want to know what is important to a man look at his calendar and in his banking statement!

Lastly, David fell asleep, or died. There is a God-appointed time for me, and each of us, to die. Hebrews 9:27 tells me that, “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” Hence, I will die, unless Jesus returns during my lifetime. Death is not something to be feared, but rather an end to my time and purpose on this earth. Notice again what Paul said about David, “…after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, (he) fell asleep…”. I can rest in this knowing that I am “bulletproof” until I have accomplished the purpose of God in my generation. I must also instill this same way of living and thinking in my children. They are to go 100% into each activity with no fears of dying “before their time,” as some would put it. This does not mean they are to do foolish things to test God, but rather, after being convinced that a certain thing is the purpose of God for them in their generation, they are to do it with their whole heart - no reservations and no regrets. How best to teach this? Again, the answer is to model it before them in the decisions I make and the projects I take on.

I want to finish well. Given that I have 70 or 80 years to live (God willing), and 51 of them are already gone, I am in the latter days of my time on this earth. All the time up to now has been preparation for the work God has for me to do. It is certainly not a time to “retire” or take a rest. Retirement is not in the Scriptures. I see many of the aged saints and apostles continuing on with their ministry right up to their deaths. I desire to do the same, and I have asked my family to keep me accountable. I must continue to grow, develop, and serve as God gives me strength, energy, and creativity.

As you plan activities to develop your children, help them to understand about King David and the purposes in his life. He wanted to build a great temple for God to dwell in as I Chronicles 28 records, but God said no, he would not build it (because he was a man of war and bloodshed). Perhaps you as a father may have great dreams for yourself, but it will be your children who accomplish them. For me, I desire to do a great work to assist fathers in raising their sons (and daughters), and hence, I lead the ALERT Cadet ministry. However, it may be one of my sons or my daughter who turn this into a worldwide ministry with great impact. One thing I do know is that when God calls me home, I will have accomplished God’s purpose for me on this earth.

May God give you wisdom as you lead your families well.

In Christ,

Roger D. Farr
ALERT Cadet Commanding Officer and Program Director