The world constantly sells death as life. Paul gave 15+ vices called works of the flesh that lead to death. He also gave 9 life-giving virtues called the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:19-23). You can tell whether your fatherhood is living or dying based on three categories: God/Others/Self. Category #1 God: Paul described sins of sexual immorality/idolatry/sorcery. All show how you view God. Culture says the guy with a different woman every time you see him—that guy’s living, right? Wrong, Paul (& God) call that dying. The better way involves love/joy/peace. God is love/joy/peace. Do you have those things? If not, do you know God? Category #2 Others: Paul explained sins of relationship—enmity/strife/jealousy/fits of anger/rivalries/dissensions/divisions/envy. The world promotes the guy who “gets things done” even if he backstabs/lies/cheats. Instead, life is found in patience/kindness/goodness. Are you known for having these? How you treat others shows whether you’re living or dying. Category #3 Yourself: Paul listed sins of indulgence—drunkenness/orgies/things like these. The world says the guy who’s flippant with life/sex/money is one to imitate. Well, that guy’s usually not the one with faithfulness/gentleness/self-control. That guy is rarely trustworthy/dependable/disciplined. Do your actions match your words? You disqualify yourself as a believer if you aren’t disciplined. God/Others/Self—these three areas reveal whether your fatherhood is living or dying. What do your wife and kids see most, works of the flesh or fruit of the spirit?

10 DISCIPLESHIP SCRIPTURES FOR CHRISTIANS: If you’re the kind of guy who reads instructions when putting things together, you understand the value of starting in the right spot. Even if you’re not that guy, you probably realize the first step in any project is always the most important. That’s especially true when it comes to growing as a disciple of Jesus. To really know Him and imitate Him, we need to spend time in His Word. We need to learn more about what the Scriptures say about discipleship.

GODLY MANHOOD VS. MACHO MANHOOD: The key to any great recipe is using the proper ingredients. Mixing the right stuff in the right amounts can lead to a masterpiece. Put in the wrong stuff, and there’s no telling what you’ll end up with. Genuine manhood works the same way. God’s given you everything you need in His Word. Stick with His plan, and you’ll be just fine. But the world works overtime to tease you with things you just don’t need. If you’re looking for a biblical manhood recipe, you’re in the right place. We’re digging into what the Bible says about being a man—and how to steer clear of the junk that will water down (or even ruin) what really matters in your life.

“The temptation of the age is to look good without being good.” —Brennan Manning

“God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.” —Saint Augustine

“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” —Dwight L. Moody

“There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous.” —Blaise Pascal

Flesh or fruit? Resist reading the 15+ vices and 9 virtues and going, “Hey Siri/Alexa, add a reminder for patience on my calendar at 6pm today.” That’s not how it works. If you could get fruit by yourself, you wouldn’t need Jesus. Take stock of what your wife and kids see related to these flesh and fruit lists. This week, remember: You can’t stack fruit high enough to reach God. Your fruit doesn’t save you, but it can tell you whether you’re saved. Walking in the spirit requires focusing on Jesus. Then you’ll bear fruit that gives life to your family.

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, 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.