APPLY SCRIPTURE
Memories can be blessings or burdens. If past mistakes weigh you down, you can’t let them keep you sidelined. You have to find a way to forget the past and move forward—so you can lead your family well. Here’s how: #1 FORGET. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind… (Phil. 3:13). Paul says you should forget the past—both your failures and regrets. It’s easy to let past mistakes cripple you, but God calls you to leave them behind and run to godly things. You’re gonna wanna look over your shoulder. You’re gonna get distracted. You may neglect things you shouldn’t. Here’s the deal: you can’t move forward if you keep looking back. A real runner doesn’t run well if he’s constantly looking back. #2 FORWARD. …and straining forward to what lies ahead… (Phil. 3:13). Paul says press forward. Maybe you’ve neglected to lead your family spiritually. Paul’s guilt and regret of killing believers needed to be forgotten—imagine that. How’d he do it? Not because Paul pondered how great he was, but because he continually recognized how God had forgiven him. Paul had to press on, putting his mind on Christ. As a dad, you move forward by forgetting the past. But maybe more critically, you have to focus on God’s work. Paul decided to focus on God’s grace instead of his past sin. Keep running your race with your eyes fixed on Jesus. The prize is Jesus—nothing else—not your dream car, dream house, dream woman, or dream investment—it’s Christ.
LATEST ARTICLE
Why Is Family Discipleship So Important?: Discipling your family is one of the most important and impactful roles God has given you as a husband and dad. While it may seem daunting, it starts with simple, intentional steps to guide your wife and kids toward a deeper relationship with Jesus. You don’t need to be perfect—just committed. The time to start is now. By leading your family in faith, you’re not just shaping today—you’re building a legacy that honors God and equips future generations to follow Him. Let’s lead with purpose and disciple on purpose.
NEWEST PODCAST
| Don’t Bench Yourself – Leave It Behind: Memories. They can be a blessing or a curse. When they lead you toward gratitude and appreciation, there’s nothing better. But if they keep you focused on guilt, pain, and “what could have been,” you need to find a way to put them in your rearview mirror . . . and fast. Letting your past dominate and define you as a man is a dangerous and unhealthy way to live. It lands you on the bench when you should be making major contributions in the lives of your family and friends. As we round third base in our “Don’t Bench Yourself” series, in this week’s episode, you’ll learn how to take control of your past by keeping it in proper perspective, and make sure your mistakes aren’t keeping you on the bench.
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GAIN INSIGHT
Jim Elliot: “He is not a fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Tim Keller: “You are not what you were. You are what God is making you.”
Steve Jobs: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
C.S. Lewis: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
TAKE ACTION
One Thing. What’s your one thing? In Philippians 3:13, Paul shows how to press forward by focusing on a deeper relationship with Christ—and leaving past sins behind. What’s the one thing you could change that would transform your family life? Maybe it’s eliminating a bad habit or managing time better. Take time to track how you’re spending your time. Are you investing in your family? Taking time for prayer? Not letting work dominate your life? Remember, you learn from the past but you don’t let it control you. Focus on what God has already done for you. Let’s go.
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Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey
P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.
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