You work all day, come home, work more; what’s left is often just the lectures for your kids. But God sees all you do: every prayer, sacrifice, tough conversation. Colossians 3:23–24 reminds dads just how much faithfulness matters.

#1 Showing up matters. “Whatever you do, work heartily…” (v. 23). “Heartily” means you work sincerely, with effort, intention, and character. This ain’t the stuff for posting on social. But God notices. So while it may not be big news when you show up, especially since folks expect you to do so, the point is that you do and that you do it heartily.

#2 Motivation matters. “…as for the Lord and not for men,” (v. 23). Sure, we wanna chase approval, recognition, or quick results we can see right now. But we’re called to something deeper. Much of fatherhood happens quietly in the early mornings, in the hard conversations, and in simply showing up day after day.

Most of the world won’t care, but God sees, and He cares. When you remember who you’re serving, even “ordinary” moments hold eternal value.

#3 Trusting God matters. “…from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ,” (v. 24). Much of what we build into our children takes decades to see, and some seeds may not grow until long after we’re gone. But God doesn’t waste things.

Like builders laying stones for a cathedral they may never see finished, we are called to trust God with the outcome. Slaves in Paul’s day had no earthly reward, yet Paul reminded them that God saw their faithfulness and offered something greater that could never be taken away.

10 Father’s Day Quotes for Christian Dads: Father’s Day is coming soon (June 21st for many of us). Here are ten quotes that will remind you why the ordinary, unglamorous work of fatherhood is worthwhile.

Smartphones, Fitting In, and Trusting Your Dad With Alex Evans: My son Alex joined me this week to talk about the parenting decisions that were frustrating in the moment but that he now sees in a different light.

“The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we will look for big things to do. There are times when there is no illumination and no thrill, but just the daily round, the common task. Routine is God’s way of saving us between our times of inspiration.” —Oswald Chambers

Don’t measure your fatherhood by what you can see. Take one “ordinary” moment you may often rush by or consider to be a chore, like a bedtime routine, having dinner together, dropping off or picking up your kids from school, and do it heartily, as for the Lord.

Be fully engaged. Put the phone down. Look your kid in the eye. Speak encouragement. You won’t get thanked, but you don’t do it for thanks anyway. Just be faithful. God sees. You’re doing more than you realize. Nothing is wasted when done for Him.

Take some time to reflect on areas in your life where you may be seeking recognition or success instead of focusing on daily faithfulness.

And remember that your life as a dad is built in ordinary moments no one notices, but God sees.

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.