The question isn’t about if we’re chasing and fighting. The question is about what we’re chasing and fighting for. In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, Paul challenges us to run from what can destroy us, pursue what makes us more like Jesus, and fight for what matters most.

#1 FLEE: Run from evil. “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.” Paul’s words aren’t: consider not doing that bad thing or think about maybe stopping that sin sometime soon. Nah, he says FLEE. Run from sin. Run from every temptation. Guard yourself.

Sin starts slowly: death by a thousand cuts. Sin is only a thought, conversation, or URL away. God calls you to NOT flirt with the enemy but RUN! Run from all of it. Don’t give your time and mind over to rationalizing evil when God calls you to run.

#2 PURSUE: Run to God. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” Paul doesn’t stop with what Timothy should leave behind. He says to chase better things. “Pursue” is about focused intensity, like an animal tracking its next meal. Godliness never happens by accident, and neither does becoming a faithful, loving, patient, and gentle dad.

Your children notice what you chase. Make sure they see you chasing righteousness, godliness, faith, and all things that matter more than any amount of comfort, money, or stuff.

#3 FIGHT: Battle for what matters most. “Fight the good fight of the faith.” We spend our mornings fighting traffic, days fighting deadlines, evenings and weekends fighting about sports, money, and the right way to mow the lawn. Years go by while your marriage is suffering, your kids are drifting, and your prayers feel powerless.

Paul points Timothy to a better battle: the fight for faith. Don’t waste your time on battles that don’t matter. Fight to know God and His Word; then, and only then, can you lead your family faithfully.

How to Lead a Family Devotion: As a dad, you’re the spiritual leader, and one way to help kids run to Christ is by helping them study the Word. Read this article to learn how to do just that (works for older and younger kids).

How to Be a Wiser, More Confident Dad: Dr. Mark Moore grew up with an imperfect father and spent decades struggling with insecurity before he figured out where confidence actually comes from. If that sounds familiar, give this episode a listen.

“True Christianity is a fight.” —J. C. Ryle

Identify where the battle is: your marriage, fatherhood, friendships, habits, emotions? Get specific. What sin should you run from? What fruit of the Spirit should you pursue? What deserves your fight?

• Maybe you need to flee mindless scrolling and pursue being present with your kids
• Maybe you need to flee angry reactions and pursue gentleness
• Or maybe you need to replace spiritual drift with daily Bible reading

Don’t just name what you aim to stop. Run from it and run to something greater. Pick the godly thing that will replace it. I’m not saying the fight will be easy, but God speaks through His Word to help you when you need it.

Take some time to reflect and ask yourself: If my kids chased the same thing I’m chasing right now, would I be glad about where that thing might take them?

Your kids don’t just need to see what you’re against all the time. They need to see what you’re chasing.

Kent Evans
Executive Director at 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.