“Michael Jordan played 15 years and won 6 championships…the other 9 years were a failure?” Milwaukee Buck’s all-star Giannis Antetokounmpo asked a reporter during the post-game interview. Giannis explained, “That’s not what sports is about. You don’t always win…you try to be better…build better habits…it’s steps to success.” As a dad, are you your last mistake? Imagine this: your wife, running buddy, pastor…right after you yell at your kid, asks, “So, do you view your fatherhood as a failure since you botched that whole scene just now?” Listen, I know zilch about losing NBA playoff games. But I know two things: #1 that reporter should stop failing and ask better questions. He asked Giannis the same question last year! #2 You’re not your last mistake. Did you fail last night? Last year? 100 years ago? Failing doesn’t have to make you a failure. God whispers, “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Cor. 12:9). God’s not saying, “Your son will never bring up what you did again…” or “I’ll make your daughter not notice you and your wife fighting…” You won’t always win. But you can rest in God’s grace rather than feeling like a failure.

The Importance of Fathers in Society: If you look at how fathers are portrayed in our culture, you might be tempted to think you’re fighting a losing battle. Don’t fall for the lies! Healthy societies are built on healthy fatherhood. What’s more, contemporary research and centuries of biblical truth back it up! See what makes fathers so important to their families and to our world. And you’ll be encouraged to ignore the naysayers and continue fighting for what’s most important in your life.

Dr. Dub Oliver on Answering God’s Call in Your Life: Dr. Dub Oliver is more than just one of the most respected voices in Christian education today. Along with serving as the president of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, he’s also a voice for families and has a passion for helping men identify and live out their true, God-given calling in life. Dr. Oliver shares what God has taught him about what it means to be a godly father.

“The greatest teacher, failure is.”
—Yoda 

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
—Michael Jordan

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
—Thomas A. Edison

“The only way to avoid failure is to not try anything new.”
—Albert Einstein

Focus up. See beyond your last mistake. Find God’s grace. Keep reading after verse 9, “…for my power is made perfect in weakness…For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). You failed. You’re not a failure. Giannis averaged 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists in 63 games. He’s not a failure. Will you mess up? Every dad does. Except that reporter. Bet he never fails, huh, except when repeating bad questions every year. Try focusing on God instead of what you’ve done wrong. I don’t mean gloss over your mistakes. I’m not saying focus on what you’re doing right either. I mean see yourself as God sees you. Walk humbly in Christ. Your kids may never notice, but this is spiritual stuff. Just because it goes unnoticed doesn’t mean it’s not working. They’re watching. Focus on God instead of yourself. Regret isn’t where God is. #FailedNotFailure

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.