Jesus said, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matt. 7:5, ESV) My hypocrisy was on full display a few months ago. My son and I were at the DMV for his driver’s test. But, he had his dates wrong. He was frustrated and gave the innocent DMV worker some flak and disrespect. We headed toward our car. In the parking lot, I let him have it. Out loud. About how “disrespectful” he was. Really? Not long after we got in the car, I apologized. Dad, we don’t get very far yelling at our kids about disrespect. There are better ways to get that message across without being – well – disrespectful.

There’s an overlooked key to making disciples. Have you noticed? I see dads get this backward all of the time. They become experts at discipling “those other” people. People they meet when volunteering at church, athletes they coach, or guys in their accountability group. Yet, at home, they’re unintentional and disengaged. Scripture tells us to be faithful inside of the home first. Then, and only then, will we be found credible to make disciples outside of the home. Read our newest post on The most over-looked key to making disciples as a dad.

1. The greatest quotes improve over time. Eleanor Roosevelt spoke one of my faves, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” The older I get, the more this rings true. Raises questions for me. How often do I encourage small-minded discussions about people? What events dominate my average-minded thoughts? Did Eleanor predict social media?

2. “Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are.” – Winning the War in your mind Bible App Reading Plan by Craig Groeschel

3. “What I look for has a way of defining what I see.” My pastor, Kyle Idleman, from this past weekend’s sermon on perspective.

Evaluate your perspective. Speaking of Kyle’s sermon, he closed with three powerful questions. These can help us when we find ourselves swamped by fear, anxiety, or pessimism. If that describes you, consider:

• What are you looking for? You tend to find it.
• Who are you listening to? Ignore constant naysayers.
• What words are you speaking? Speak life and truth.

Make it a great week,

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

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Let me know what you think. Tell Ryan 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.