James 1:19 says, “let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Look, it’s a busy time of year. Maybe you have another day or two off this week. But, if you’re like most of us, that doesn’t mean you’re just hangin’ out. You’re still busy with something—chores around the house—something. The holidays can be a weird time of extra-busyness. We rush around and forget what our families need most—for us to listen. Listening is never easy—but add all of the hustle AND bustle of Christmas and New Year’s and you have a recipe for, well, not listening and not engaging. Christmas day may be over. But, you can still give the gift of listening—even this week. Listening is one of the greatest acts of love you can give your wife and kids. Find a way to be present and engage with your family over the next few days. Be quick to listen: This requires that you slow down. Be slow to speak: Resist the urge to fill silence with your thoughts. Stop shy of launching into a lecture or offering your opinion. Give your wife and kids space to express themselves. Be slow to anger: Be slow to react to things happening around you. Recognize when you’re reacting rather than being patient. Boom—do all this and you win, your wife wins, your kids win—everybody wins.

Bible Verses About Insecurity: Insecurity has plagued humans since the fall, but Scripture reminds us we’re not alone. Biblical figures like Moses and Elijah struggled with doubt and fear but learned to trust in God’s plan. From trusting Jesus in our doubts to embracing His care for us, we’re called to fight insecurity with faith, humility, and His promises. True security is found only in Christ.

Give the Gift of Listening: Christmas is a great time for giving and receiving gifts. But there are plenty of gifts you can give and receive all year long. For example, this episode digs into what it looks like to give the gift of listening. We’ll look at what the Bible has to say about listening and why that matters for our lives each day. If your goal is to become a better listener in the weeks and months ahead, we’ve got some tips for how you can make the most of this gift that keeps on giving. Merry Christmas!

We need to listen to the Word of God with expectancy and humility, ready for God perhaps to confront us with a word that may be disturbing and uninvited. And we must also listen to the world around us. —John Stott

Connected, Truly. To truly connect with others, you must first prioritize your relationship with God. You can’t listen well if you’re constantly distracted or reacting too quickly. Lean on God and His Word for guidance. Over the next few days, focus on listening more than speaking. Goal: SAY LESS. Ask meaningful questions, truly hear your wife and kids, and create quiet moments to listen to God. Do this and you’ll reflect Him to your family. Make listening the gift you give to your family now and in the new year.

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.

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