Know a guy who’s super dependable? What made him so trustworthy? Mr. Dependable probably wasn’t honest just that once and then known as rock solid. Exhibit A: We interviewed Jay for the podcast (linked below). His friends/family would call him Mr. Dependable. During our talk, three things jumped out—qualities your kid should see in you. #1 Contentment: Jesus told a story about three guys who received different talents. There’s debate on the worth of one talent, but it doesn’t matter for now (Matt. 25:14–18). Are you content? Tell me: are you in debt? One path to contentment is financial freedom. With debt, it’s hard making time for what matters most when you’re working nonstop to cover bills. #2 Patience: Long time may mean ‘tween now and when Jesus returns (Matt. 25:19–21). Patience requires time. Are you more patient with folks at work than with your own kids? Be known as Mr. Patient at home. God rewards patience. #3 Faithfulness: Jesus’s story had a third guy who was afraid of his boss. He was so afraid he’d lose his one talent, he buried it. He was described as lazy/wicked, letting fear paralyze him (Matt. 25:24–27). As a dad, you’ll never have all the answers. But don’t let fear paralyze you. Step up, share honestly, and lead in spiritual conversations. Do your kids see you as being content, patient, and faithful? 

7 BIBLE STUDY OPTIONS FOR TEENS: As a father, God has called you to help your kids learn more about Him. He’s given you the responsibility of leading them to know Him and embrace Him. That means spending time in His Word, but where do you begin? You can wade into the deep end of finding the perfect Bible study for your teenager, but you can also use our seven suggestions as a starting point for a process that will help your child learn to love God and His Word more deeply.

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION: Businessman Jay Strickland doesn’t claim to be an expert on family relationships. In fact, he’ll be the first to tell you that he’s just a guy who treasures his family, works hard and loves Jesus. Between growing up in a trailer park to sharing the family farm with his children and grandchildren, Jay’s gained his wisdom through practical experience, navigating the highs and lows of his “blessed” life. Truth be told, he’s like a lot of guys out there who are simply trusting God to help them become the best husband and father possible. That’s why his common sense insights and honest advice—delivered with a winsome sense of humor—will hit home with you.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” —James Baldwin

“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” —Socrates

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” —Samuel Beckett

“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” —Abraham Lincoln

Faith > Fear. God made you a dad for this moment. His promise is, if you’re faithful with a few things, He will take care of you. If you’re not faithful, you may lose everything. Make no mistake, Jesus is coming back and He will ask what you did while He was away. But the arc of Scripture, and God’s nature, includes grace. This week: Be at home when you’re home. Work while you’re at work. Show your kids contentment, patience, and faithfulness. There’s no telling what God will do with it.

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.