I love me some perks. Are you a collector or user of perks? I have 4,315 available points in my Chick-fil-a app. My record is 16,000. Thankfully, much like grace, CFA points never expire. But, you gotta use the points to reap the reward. Colossians 1:11 says, being strengthened with all power. Sounds awesome. Then Paul mentions three perks you can access. Perk #1 ENDURANCE: As husband/dad, life ain’t always frosted lemonades. We need endurance. Note: when you’re struggling, you show your walk with God by enduring. Perk #2 PATIENCE: Guys, I looked this up: Patience is a state of calm—even through struggle. When you get irritated and complain, it reveals your lack of patience—and who you’re leaning on. With God, you’re able to suffer a long time. Sounds better the more you think about it. Perk #3 JOY: How is joy possible? Because God qualified you (1:12). Scholars explain qualified points to God’s qualifying you to minister/serve, like say, “minister to your family.” And, God delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son (1:13). “Pull around to the second window, sir, your order’s comin’ right up.” Look, illustrations break down. Point is: You have reason to have joy—no matter what—just don’t forget to tap into your perks.

GREAT MEN’S MINISTRY RESOURCES: In a world where rugged individualism and pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps are applauded, we miss one simple truth: That’s all a myth! Men, especially Christian men, aren’t called to go it alone. We’re called to walk alongside one another, encouraging and challenging each other to be better versions of ourselves. One way that happens is by plugging into a men’s ministry group at your local church. If you’re a men’s ministry leader or a man looking for a place to take root, we’ve got some ideas for men’s ministry resources that can work for you.

PRAYING SCRIPTURE AND WALKING WORTHY: When the apostle Paul prayed for his Colossian friends, he wasn’t just wishing them the best. He was challenging them to live lives worthy of the call Christ had placed on their lives. As a father and husband, you face the same challenge. God wants you to walk worthy of His call and to become all that He has created you to be as a man. Find out more about what it means to live a life worthy of God as a husband and a dad as we dig deeper into the power of Paul’s prayer life in Colossians 1.

“Endurance is not just the ability to tolerate a bad situation, but to smile and laugh in the face of it.” —Bear Grylls

“Patience is the quiet confidence that God is in control, and His timing is always perfect.” —Tony Evans

“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” —Mother Teresa

“Joy is like a great joke – you don’t get it right away, but when you do, it’s hilarious.” —Will Ferrell

Thank God. Seriously, take time to thank God. Why? Lots of reasons. God qualified/delivered/transferred you. There’s forgiveness, reconciliation, and life with Him in all those transactions. Be thankful. Paul, despite all the junk that happened to him, was thankful. Find joy today. Fill this in: “God, thank You, for saving me from _____”. Reflect on the darkness you were in before God. Paul’s point should be yours; keep reminding yourself of God’s goodness, and you’ll be less likely to go astray. Walk around with joy long enough, and you’ll show your wife/kids a better husband/dad, a better home life, and point them to God. Go ahead: redeem those points and hear God say, “My pleasure.”

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, 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.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.