“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven.” (Matt 6:1) Dad, these “others” are first, our own family. Indeed, we should be cracking open God’s word and bringing its truth to light with our wife and kids. But, let’s not let the tail wag the dog. The devotions we lead must be informed by our devotion in deed. Don’t read your Bible just so your wife or kids catch you in the act. Don’t try to become known as the Bible-reading dad. One-way ticket to Phonyville. Instead, BE a Bible-reading dad. Just you and God. His Word, His Spirit. Praying, reading, meditating, journaling. If your family happens to see you, super – it can leave a lasting impression. So long as they’re seeing an honest, convicted dad diving into the living Word. Read to grow, not to put on a show.

Knowing Scripture is the business of the godly dad. He loves God’s Word and leads his family in applying it to everyday situations. But, what does “knowing Scripture” as a dad look like? This post shows you. One quick idea: when your child asks you a vexing question, where do you point to find truth? Let’s lead our families to the one source that will never fail — God’s Word.

1. Andrew Linder over at AllProDad writes about 5 Lies Men Believe About Their Wives. One that jumped out at me: My wife should just be happy that I’m faithful and a good provider. Man, talk about arrogant (and oddly similar to something I’ve said to myself). Don’t fall for this lie or the others on his list. Nice work Andrew, honest.

2. “Ignoring the truth doesn’t change the truth. But ignoring the truth changes us.” My friend and prayer warrior John Blumberg penned that in his book, Return On Integrity. John really lives this stuff out, down to his core. He’s a powerful example.

3. ”There is a difference between guilt and shame. Guilt is the painful feeling of doing something wrong; shame is the painful feeling of being something wrong.” I love that quote by Ralph Plumb in his book, All Who Wander. God can use conviction to help us get back on track, but He’s provided a way out of shame and condemnation forever. That way: Jesus.

Be genuine. This issue led with the challenge Jesus gave his followers to be genuine in their pursuit of Him. We’re not to try and fake it or show off for external praise, even within our own homes. Wait: Especially within our own homes! Your challenge this week, do a quick “How genuine am I?” inventory. Where in your life are you putting on a show? Work? Home? At church? Take off the mask and commit to being real in all settings. Maybe even grab someone and come clean. Big week ahead.

Have 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.