You won’t always get the chance to explain yourself. You won’t win everyone over in a conversation. But what if your example wasn’t just about words? 1 Peter 2:15 shows that what you do is more powerful than words alone. Let’s unpack this verse.

#1 God’s will isn’t super confusing. “For this is the will of God…” Many of us spend a ton of time wondering what God wants us to do. But Peter makes the answer pretty clear. God wants you to live a life that honors Him. Boom. What you believe should move beyond what you talk about. It should be seen in how you live.

Your kids will see your life for a certain number of years in your home. Imagine if, when they are grown and out of the house, they could look back and see what following God looks like by how you treated people and what you did with what was given to you.

#2 Just do good. “…that by doing good…” Peter doesn’t say you should yell louder or use bigger words. He says to do good. This isn’t about earning God’s grace. We lean on what Jesus has done for us.

His sacrificial good should be seen in our lives. Point is: keep your word, serve your family, help someone who needs it. Do good stuff, and you’ll be pointing those who know you to God.

#3 Your life shows your faith. “…you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” Quick tip here. Calling unbelievers foolish isn’t about brain capacity or IQ. Scripture’s talking about folks being foolish because they don’t fear the Lord and walk with Him. Peter knew believers would be misunderstood. His answer was to live a life of doing good.

You can’t control what people think or say about you. But you can do so many good things that if someone says something bad about you, their words won’t match your life. Your wife and kids are watching. Give them a life that backs up what you say you believe.

First Time Dad – What Nobody Tells You About the First Year: At 4:00 on a Wednesday morning, more than three decades ago, Bob became a father for the first time. Here is what he wishes someone had told him before that moment.

“As for Me” – Why Christian Fatherhood Starts with Your Own Faith: Before you can lead your family spiritually, you have to deal with your own faith first. Lawson and I got honest about what that actually looks like in this episode. Give it a listen.

“We love God by loving our neighbors. And some of our neighbors live very close to us—in our own homes.” —Courtney Reissig

Look for one way to do good today, especially at home. Don’t make some big announcement. Don’t expect something in return. See a need and meet it. The big idea is to make this all real: tell your kid how proud you are and how much you love him.

But here’s the deal: don’t just say some kind words. Show your kid you love him by giving your time and attention. Show interest in something he enjoys. Just listen and be present. Then do it over and over again as much as possible. That’s the life. You got this.

Take some time to reflect and ask yourself: Does the way I live make what I say I believe more believable?

God’s will doesn’t have to feel confusing. It’s His will for you to believe His Word and live by it.

Kent Evans
Executive Director at 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.