The world is loud. Screens, schedules, and busyness—man, oh man. It can feel like your voice is a whisper compared to the yelling world. But while you may not be the loudest voice in your kids’ lives or in your home, you can be the clearest. Paul wrote to Timothy, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

#1 God did not give you fear. Paul is talking about passivity—backing off when you shouldn’t. Imagine the dad who used to pray at night with his kid. Then life gets hectic. One missed night turns into a bunch. By the teenage years, prayer feels awkward, so he doesn’t pray.

Years later, his son wonders how to pray because he doesn’t know a dad who prayed. Don’t let passivity paralyze you. God’s grace calls you to do the next right thing. Pray tonight. Stay in the game.

#2 God gives power. Power isn’t cranking up the volume—it’s controlled strength. Timothy faced a ton of noise, and Paul didn’t tell him to yell louder. He told him to stick it out. You can have power when you spend time with God. You’ve seen the guy—engaged, not frazzled, not passive. That’s power.

Your job isn’t to win every argument (even though you could). When the house feels extra crazy—like, say, every evening after dinner—you can slow down, lower your voice, sit instead of pace, and listen. The loudest voice rarely influences faithfully.

#3 God gives love and self-control. Biblical love and self-control aren’t Hallmark card stuff—they’re about service. God gives strength, yes—but also control: a filter—restraint when needed. When the boys act out, godly dads pause, consider what God wants, and respond.

Some of the best dad moments are in quiet follow-ups—the before-bed “we should revisit that” talk. It’s when you feel like quitting that you should knock on your kids’ door again.

When Patience Runs Out Before Bedtime: Many dads start the day calm and intentional, then end it reactive by bedtime. That shift isn’t random—it follows a pattern. When you learn to spot the early signs of anger, you can reset and stay steady with your kids even when your energy is low.

Finding Purpose in Your Paycheck with John Coleman: Some dads think more money will fix money stress, but it rarely does. In this episode, Lawson and I sit down with investor and author John Coleman to talk about contentment, purpose at work, and how to teach your kids a simple, biblical approach to money.

Hudson Taylor: “Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”

Hey, don’t feel like you have to change everything by this evening. Do one thing. Tonight, take a few minutes to be calm and present with one of your kids. No phone. No yelling. No speeches. No fixing something. Just listening.

Ask one thoughtful question. Speak one clear truth from God’s Word. You don’t need to be louder than the world. Your influence will grow over time through calm, clear wisdom.

Remember: When fear and the world yell that you’re losing influence and are outta time—God whispers, “Stay in the game. I’m the Author of time. I’ll take care of any lost time. Just point your child to Me.”

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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