Christmas often pressures dads to prove their love through bigger gifts each year. But Scripture pushes us to something deeper. Before you start spending, consider that what you give each day is teaching your kids something. Let’s look at 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

#1 “Give thanks…” Gratitude in Scripture isn’t a once-a-year idea that shows up while you watch It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s daily obedience. God commands thankfulness because it pulls our focus off ourselves and onto Him.

Paul thanked God for what He’d done, and he did it publicly. A godly, thankful dad knows he’s dependent on God for every breath, and he shows it. Do that, and yes—maybe an angel gets its wings. Get too busy for gratitude, and you’ll quickly drift toward ungodliness.

#2 “…in all circumstances…” All really does mean all—the good, the boring, the ugly, and even the terrible. God’s not asking you to fake it; He’s asking you to trust Him when life makes zero sense. Gratitude in hard seasons isn’t denial—it’s faith that God is still God.

A godly dad keeps the 30,000-foot view: God’s guiding, stitching the good and bad together. Rough winter—dead battery, sick kid, tight budget? Find one thing to thank Him for. Your kids are watching.

#3 “…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” A lot of dads wonder what God’s will is. Paul makes it simple: gratitude is a big part of it. Thankfulness isn’t optional; it’s a chosen posture because you belong to Christ.

God’s will is that your life runs on joy, prayer, and thanks. Think of a dad you know who lives this way. His world isn’t perfect, but he’s steady, kind, unhurried—and you always leave encouraged. That’s obedience to God’s will in real life.

10 Devotions Every Dad Should Do: When life feels rushed or noisy, a steady devotional habit helps anchor your heart in Christ. Daily devotions help you draw nearer to God and, in turn, grow as a dad, disciple, and leader.

From Comparison to Contentment: What are you really giving your kids this Christmas—a pile of presents, or a legacy of contentment? Instead of chasing more, Lawson and I explore how gratitude and contentment shape a godly legacy—one your kids won’t forget.

C. S. Lewis: “We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”

This week, build one simple gratitude rhythm at home. Start and end the day with one spoken line: “Father, thank You for ___ today.”

When something goes sideways—a surprise bill, an appliance dying—say out loud, “God is still God,” and let your kids hear it. Then pick one spot—mirror, dashboard, or iPhone lock screen—and place 1 Thessalonians 5:18 there. Heck, screenshot, edit, and crop the verse below:

[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Boom. Done. Tell your kids if they happen to see it, “This helps me remember what God wants from me today.”

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.