Paul was a lot of things—selfish doesn’t seem to be one of those things. He led like a father—exhorting, encouraging, and urging believers toward godly lives.

First Thessalonians 2:11–12 says, “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God…”

Dad, you’re called to shepherd your home with that same conviction, comfort, and direction.

#1 The dad who exhorts. Paul’s exhorting means coming alongside with direction. Dads have to meet our kids where they are and point them to God. Dads don’t just correct; they shape.

Exhortation becomes a deposit of consistency and clarity worth more than cash. Your presence and tone can guide your children toward God—or away. Be the dad who consistently calls out the best in your kids.

#2 The dad who encourages. Encouraging describes a gentle, steady presence—walking with someone through failures. This isn’t occasional but continual.

People need courage poured into them again and again. You show up and speak up. You offer a stable presence that shapes your kids and reminds them they’re never alone. Be the dad who is a steady presence in a world full of pressure.

#3 The dad who charges. To charge means to make the truth clear. Paul also says dads help kids walk in a manner worthy of God, shaping them through consistent choices of time, tone, and sacrifice.

Your calling is intentional. God chose you to influence the next generation by living a life that reflects His character. Be the dad who helps his kids walk worthy of God.

Examples of Lust in the Bible: 3 Key Lessons: Lust is a selfish distortion of love that pulls us away from God and damages the relationships we’re meant to protect. Scripture exposes lust’s dangers—and how humility, contentment, and spiritual habits lead us back to purity and purpose.

Intentional Fatherhood with Rick Dempsey: What does intentional fatherhood look like when work, culture, and calling collide? Rick Dempsey—Disney legend turned Chosen creative executive—shares how decades in a high-pressure career shaped his faith, family, and influence.

J. C. Ryle: “Fathers, your children will seldom learn habits which they see you habitually neglect.”

Paul lived like a father among his people—exhorting, encouraging, and charging—because he knew his life strengthened or weakened his words. Our influence dies a little each time our life is different than what we say.

But if your words match your life, you can be a great example. This means showing up—guiding, correcting, comforting, and spending real time with your family.

Guard your walk with God and let what you do and say shape your home. Do this, and you’ll not only live worthy of God, but you’ll also point your kids to this same worthy calling.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, 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.