Father's For Good - Five Steps to a Better (Eternal) Life by Fr. Larry Richards

1. SURRENDER. Doesn’t sound very manly, does it? But surrendering to God may be the toughest thing you will ever do. Who is in control of your life — is it you or is it God? I hope you know that being a Christian is not about doing nice things or just living a moral life. It is about letting Christ live his life through you. This only happens through daily surrender to God.  

2. PRAY DAILY. No excuses! When I preach men’s conferences and hear confessions, I always ask: “Do you pray every day?” The most common response is, “I try.” Then I ask the penitents if they simply try to eat every day. Of course, they say that they always make time to eat. Gentlemen, praying is much more important than eating! Commit yourself to spending at least five minutes alone with God every day. Never fit God into your day; instead, build your day around God.  

3. BE A MAN OF LOVE. I’m not talking about mushy movie-screen love, but the kind of love that took Jesus tothe cross for us. If God is love, then his followers must be people of love. If you are married, I would encourage you to start by writing a letter to each of your children and to your wife, telling them you love them. Then decide to tell them that you love them every day. It won’t kill you — and it may give you a whole new perspective on life.  

4. BE A MAN OF SERVICE. You should be able to say that you performed at least one unselfish act each day. Too many men waste their time focusing on themselves — concerned only about a big home, a nice car and the latest gadgets. But the Lord tells us, “Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it” (Lk 17:33). Do you believe this? Then live a life of service. You can never out give God in generosity! 

5. CHANGE THE WORLD FOR CHRIST. When I was in the seminary, I complained to my spiritual director about how bad the world was. He turned to me and said, “Larry, you curse the darkness more than anyone I know. Why don’t you light a light and be different? ”I believe one of the questions that Jesus will ask when we stand before him on judgment day will be, “Where are your brothers and sisters?” What will be your answer? You can bring others to Christ by praying for them, by loving them and by telling them about him.These are five basic steps that will lead you to a better life — eternal life. The question is, will you implement these steps and be the man God created you to be? Jesus and your family are counting on you.


The Reason For Our Hope Website (Fr. Larry Richards)