This summer, I heard preacher Ben Stuart say, “Our anxiety about our problems is becoming our biggest problem!” How true. In my own life, and in the lives of those I’ve mentored, I’ve seen this many times. There’s a real issue. Then, on top of that real issue, we’re tempted to add a heap of worry, fear, tension, stress, and what-if’s that make the issue bigger and even obscure it from view. The actual issue becomes harder to see, harder to solve. Now, it’s encumbered with worries about the issue. Paul knew this would happen, so he said, “…do not be anxious about anything…”. You can go looking for wiggle room there, but you won’t find any. It may not be easy, but it’s simple. Do not be anxious. Want more “how-to” help on this? Check out what Paul says, right after that Phil 4:6-9.

Just do it. Nike coined that phrase as their slogan in the late ’80s. Those three words were somehow phenomenal for selling shoes. They also answer the question almost every Christian dad asks, “How do I start a bible study with my kids?” Just do it. Obviously, that’s a bit of an oversimplification, but only a bit.

Many dads hesitate to start a Bible study with their kids because they let the word “enough” trip them up. My kids aren’t old enough or ready enough. We don’t have enough time. I don’t know enough about God or the Bible. None of those things are true. Here are 3 simple steps for starting a Bible study for kids.

A Dad Can be the Most Influential Person in a Child’s Life:  One key reason celebrities have influence is because fathers have left their homes. This influence vacuum gets filled by whoever screams the loudest, but engaged dads have a powerful weapon. We can own our influence if we stay in the game and are intentional as our kids mature. Through things like intentional conversations and great questions, we can fully leverage our God-given influence.

I’m prepping for a new talk I’ll give about how influential your life can be after age 50. I’ve found some quotes that might make it into the talk. Figured you may enjoy a few:

“To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well.” – John Marshall

“You can impress people from a distance, but you can impact them only up close.” – Howard Hendricks

“I did turn 75 today – but remember, that’s only 24 Celsius.” – Ronald Reagan

“Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.” – Arthur Schopenhauer

'Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed.' – Arthur Schopenhauer Share on Twitter

Kill anxiety at its source. I’ve been walking with a friend through some anxious and troubling challenges. He’s done an amazing job of fighting and finding hope even when tempted to despair. It’s hard work, but worth it. Just know, anxiety’s source is not you. It’s your enemy and he’s working overtime to leverage our current tensions to get you to buckle with worry and fear. I pray you’ll stand strong, and as Paul says, focus your mind on things that are true, right, and good.

Make it a great week,

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

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.