Busy schedules, juggling priorities, distractions—all things dads deal with daily. Last week I explained how I set priorities with my 4-part, 8-word life filter: #1 Love God #2 Serve April #3 Disciple Boys #4 Bless Others. Click deeper into the cause of most priority issues, and contentment is the problem. We must reorient how we view these three areas: #1 PEOPLE: Paul wrote am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? (Gal. 1:10). You develop discontentment trying to please people rather than God. You create contentment when you live for God rather than people. #2 POSSESSIONS: You develop discontentment when you covet what others have. be on your guard against all covetousness (Luke 12:15). The world calls coveting ambition, but coveting is sin. Create contentment by setting your hopes on God rather than money (1 Tim. 6:17). #3 PEACE: The quickest way to develop discontentment is to want more and more. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Don’t love money/stuff. Be grateful for what you have. Trust God is with you. John 14:8 Philip said…“Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” The word content in Hebrews 13:5 and enough John 14:8 are the same Greek word. Are you content with God? Is He enough?

EXAMPLES OF GOD’S WISDOM: Ever asked God for wisdom? Discover timeless examples of God’s wisdom through Solomon’s journey, and learn how every dad can draw inspiration from his experiences to navigate the challenges and joys of fatherhood. Lead your family with light by plugging up to the wisdom of God.

FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH CONTENTMENT: Guys often have a well-earned reputation of always seeking a bigger, better deal. We reach for one shiny ribbon after another in our search for something that will move us ahead or fill some aching void in our lives. We’re convinced that just a little “more” will provide purpose. In truth, what we what we really need is contentment! In this episode, we’ll look at how a lack of contentment adds fuel to the fire of many challenges we face as men—and how we can finally get off the hamster wheel and find peace with the people and possessions God has placed in our lives.

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” —C. S. Lewis

“You have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now.” ―Wayne W. Dyer

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” —Apostle Paul

“There is peace even in the storm.” ―Vincent van Gogh

Contentment is contagious. So is discontentment. Which one does your wife and kids see? If you’re not walking around your house content, you’re probably modeling discontentment. Paul said, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Phil. 4:11). No matter what’s going on around you, imitate Paul and find contentment. If you think your contentment is tied to your circumstances, that’s not how the believer should see it. You’re either creating contentment or developing discontentment. If you have Jesus, then you have contentment. Nothing else is required.

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.