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By Robert Docter, Editor-In-Chief
This is for anyone who wants to build an Army—a Salvation Army—but especially those marching FORWARD.
Know why you want to build an Army.
If it’s for your own glorification, abandon the notion.
Know you can’t do it alone.
Keep God in the act.
Listen.
Pray.
Study the Word.
Marching is a lot of work. Better be in shape.
Be consistent.
If you’re feeling moody, pretend you’re not.
Show up!
Always know what the problem is before trying to solve it.
Figure out your contribution to your own problems.
Strive to be mature.
Avoid behaving like an adolescent (unless you are one).
Know what you value.
Prize your values—publicly.
Understand that Christianity is a relationship.
Seek feedback on the quality of your relationship skills.
Love others.
Know who your “neighbors” are.
The buildings belong to the Army. The “corps” belongs to its members.
Serve the members.
Avoid any notion that you can be perfect.
A little bit of guilt holds civilization together.
Learn how to say: “I’m sorry.”
If you feel powerless, you’re relating to the wrong power source.
Know the difference between change and transitions—one’s a fact, one’s a perception.
Never hide your light under a basket. You might trip-up badly.
It is dangerous not to invest your talents.
Have clear vision for the road ahead.
Focus on good goals that relate to that vision.
“You gotta get obsessed, and you gotta stay obsessed.”
Never say: “I quit”—unless you’re doing a lot of stupid things.
Assume your current residence is where you are for life.
Don’t let the “junk” pile up.
Work to make things better.
Stay up to date.
Don’t get locked into a predictable status quo.
Value improvisation.
Always be prepared—even prepared to improvise.
Know the difference between perseverance and perseveration.
Don’t give up on people.
Figure out how to measure the relative success of what you do.
Put aside the ridiculous idea that every one should love you.
Everybody gets hurt once in awhile. Accept it.
Know that nothing always goes the way you want it to go.
It’s okay to be angry once in awhile. What counts is what you do with it.
A leader’s principal job is to maintain the cohesiveness of the group.
When you look back from the year 2050, be proud of what you’ve done.
When things are blue, sing a song—even a blues song.
Know your values.
Expand the reach of your otherness.
Don’t knock the Army. God must love us.
Staying contemporary means you accept change.
Keep falling love—with God and with your spouse.
Know you have more courage than you need. Use it.
Understand human development so your kids get a fair shot at life.
Be yourself.
Choose happiness.
Stay in shape—physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
Know you are loved.
