7 Things Men Should Do BEFORE Marriage

2. Seek responsibility instead of running from it. 

Another life lesson that can be illustrated from my Great Grandfather is this point of seeking responsibility instead of running from it. So many young men today behave as if they’re wearing a giant sign that says, “Don’t depend on me or tie me down.” We’ve falsely believed that “freedom” means not having to answer to anyone. This attitude makes us ineffective and unreliable in all parts of life (including future marriages and families). My Great Grandpa lost his dad and brothers young and when he was ten-years-old, he willingly took on the responsibility of being the “man of the house.” In a time with no government aid or charitable programs, if he didn’t kill a squirrel or rabbit with his shotgun, he knew he and his mom would go hungry that night.

One of the BEST things I did to prepare me to be a husband and father someday was to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters which is a mentoring organization. I got paired with a twelve-year-old named Robert and simply having to consider another person in my scheduling and decision making taught me so much about life and responsibility. Robert taught me much more than I taught him. Be a man who seeks responsibility; not one who runs from it. Be a man who says, “You can count on me.” (and mean it when you say it!) It will make you a great husband and father someday!

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

#3 is something I failed to do, and I wish every day I would have done it differently…