It is so tempting to always be the corrector. And, sure, we have too many passive dads who aren’t doing enough correcting. Granted. But, one way we can spur our children on to love and good deeds (Heb 10:24)is to catch our kids doing the right things and reinforce that behavior with powerful, heartfelt affirmation. Recently, one of my sons was downhearted. As he drove to a coffee shop, he noticed a cold, homeless elderly woman. He told me, “One of the things you and mom always told me was that the fastest way to get outta my own sadness is to serve someone else.” (What?! My son had actually listened to some of what we told him?!) So, he stopped and asked her if she wanted a cup of coffee. Her only question was, “Hot?” So, he snagged her a cup and brought it back to her. He talked with her a bit and shared that he’d been down and he felt Jesus would’ve wanted him to serve her. Now that’s doing it right, and I want to be the kind of dad who gives his son a huge pat on the back for that kind of behavior! We gotta notice. We need to catch them doing it right. Then, we need to tell them we noticed and we’re proud of them.

How to have faith in God: It doesn’t take much faith at all to change our life (Luke 17:5-6). And to have a little faith in God probably isn’t as difficult as we make it out to be. If you want faith in God: believe He is Who the Bible says He is, surrender by giving Him control of your life, then commit to His leading. That’s faith.

The godly dad discerns true needs around him: Dad, would you become closer to your kids if you asked better questions? Amid the constant challenges dads face (financial, relational, time management), it can be difficult to discern the TRUE needs around us. As we observe new challenges in our family, the ability to ask good questions can bring about great solutions. One where the situation is grounded in clarity and the problem is resolved.

“Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child’s life and it’s like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities.” – Gary Smalley

“If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it is changed by it.” – John C. Maxwell

“The most important thing for me is having a relationship with God. Knowing Him and knowing that He loves me gives me encouragement and confidence to move forward.” – Ben Carson

Encourage one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Dad, where and how can you encourage your children or wife this week? Can you find something they’re doing right? Someone they recently served? A decision they recently made? A relationship they’re handling well? Something. Anything. Can you spot it and point it out this week? You may be surprised how long and deeply they remember this affirming word from you!

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

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.