Dan Farr, 1927-2019, was (and always will be) my dad, my teacher, my mentor, my advisor, my guide, my example, my coach, and the man most responsible for discipling me. He was a man of highest Christian character, devotion to his Savior and to my mom and family. He was generous, and self-sacrificial. He always treated everyone he met as his equal, worthy of respect, an eternal being made in the image of God deserving to hear and know the Way to eternal life. My brother, sister and I are so blessed to have Dan Farr as our earthly father who always lived in a way that pointed to our Heavenly Father. Here are a few of the life-lessons he taught us to live by. I wish I could say that I have been as successful as he taught me.
Love God. Love Others.
Bible: Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 28:18-20
Never forget that God loves you so much that He was willing to sacrifice His Son on the cruel cross for you. And He raised Him from the dead to give you eternal life. So, show others how much you love them and care about them. Don’t waste time trying to impress people with how much you know. Treat all people with dignity and respect.
Whatever you make, give 10% to God, save 10%, and live on 80%.
Bible: Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 6:6-8
Give to God your first and best. Save something for rainy days because you will certainly have some. Learn to live on what’s left.
Only God is more important that your family.
Bible: Psalm 103:17; 1 Timothy 5:8; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9
God established the family as the basic relationship among humans. Fathers are to demonstrate God’s undeniable and unconditional love to his wife and children. Parents are to train their children to be lovers of God and disciples of Jesus.
Guard your reputation. Your name is the only thing you will take to your grave.
Bible: Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17
It doesn’t take much to ruin your reputation, but it takes a long time to build a good one.
The Bible is God’s Word. Read it. Learn it. Do it.
Bible: Matthew 28:18-20
Read the Bible every day. Follow a good reading plan. Learn it — not just the head-knowledge, but learn to do it. Then, do it as a natural part of your lifestyle.
Always keep you word.
Bible: Matthew 5:37; 2 Timothy 2:15
If you tell someone you’re going to do something, then make sure you do it — and do it right. When you make a mistake or don’t keep your word, admit your mistake and shortcoming and ask the other person to forgive you.
Whatever you do, do your best.
Bible: Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31
Remember, you don’t work for your supervisor, your boss, or your company. You work to serve God and bring Him honor and glory. God provides you with your job and career so that you can provide for your family, and for you to be a missionary in your workplace.
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