Research says your kid will ask 40,000 questions between the ages of 2 and 5. Sounds about right. Here are three mistakes you gotta guard against. #1 Your heart’s not in it. in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy (1 Pet 3:15). Do you simply toss out answers? Timmy can get facts from AI/Siri/Alexa and opinions from Facebook groups. Guard against spitting out your own facts/opinions. Like Peter intentionally used “Lord” to show God was not only holy but also personal, your answers should be set apart—as one whose heart has been with Jesus. #2 You’re not prepared. always being prepared to make a defense (1 Pet 3:15). It’s easier to spit out facts/opinions rather than thoughtfully point to Jesus as your hope. But think about it: the unbeliever complains because he doesn’t share the same hope you do. When your kid has questions, be ready to point to the hope not found in the world. #3 Your tone is off. with gentleness and respect (1 Pet 3:15). Don’t miss this: you have 40,000+ opportunities to show love and kindness—pointing your kid to God’s Word. Do this and you’ll have his trust when he’s older.

THE FIVE BIBLICAL STAGES OF MANHOOD: If you’re a father, you understand the joy of watching a child grow. You’ve seen the progression from total helplessness to physical maturity. What you may not realize is that your heavenly Father has the same desire for your spiritual journey. In fact, it’s possible for guys to trace the spiritual development in their lives through five biblical stages. If you’re walking with Christ, you’re living at one of these stages—and God has a plan for helping you move forward as you become more like Jesus.

BE AN ANSWER GUIDE, NOT AN ANSWER MAN: Men have a natural desire to be the smartest guy in the room. Deep down, we love being the one who solves every problem and ends every debate. Even with our children, we often tell them what’s right instead of letting them discover God’s truth on their own. If your kids are going to reach their God-given potential, though, they’ll need to struggle some and find their own answers to the biggest questions in their lives. That’s healthy, but that also involves taking a step back. You’ll need to embrace the role of pointing them in the right direction instead of being the guy with all the answers.

“A prudent question is one half of wisdom.” —Francis Bacon

“The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The true dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.” —Peter Drucker

“The important thing is not to stop questioning.” —Albert Einstein

“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.” —Josef Albers

Know God’s Word. having a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16). If your heart’s in it, you’re prepared to give a reason for your hope, and you’re gentle/kind, your kid will notice this wisdom isn’t from you. It comes from knowing God through His Word. There’s something special about the man who has a genuine relationship with God. He’s different from the world. Your kid may take years to notice, but he’ll notice. Know the Word so well that you point your kid—not just to answers—but to the One Who is the Answer.

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.